Michael Evanich
Private, U.S. Army

On 17 December 1944, Private Michael Evanich was serving with Company A, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Seventh U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

On that day, PVT Evanich’s unit was in action against German forces in France. PVT Evanich’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private Michael Evanich (ASN: 42010657), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 December 1944. Private Evanich's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 36th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 181 (1945)

Burial

Private Michael Evanich is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France, in Plot C, Row 23, Grave 93.

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56654836