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First Name: John

Last Name: Penich

Birthplace: Waukegan, IL, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Beach Park, IL
Middle Name: Michael



Date of Birth: 06 January 1983

Date of Death: 16 October 2008

Rank: Sergeant

Years Served: 2006 - 2008
John Michael Penich

   
Engagements:
•  Afghanistan War (Operation Enduring Freedom) (2001 - present)

Biography:

John Michael Penich
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 16 October 2008, then-Sergeant John Michael Penich was serving with Company B, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, SGT Penich’s unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces near Karangol Village, Afghanistan. SGT Penich’s decisive action saved the lives of his fellow Soldiers and was directly responsible for repelling an enemy attack that was trying to overrun his position. SGT Penich’s calm leadership enabled all involved to perform at higher levels than their regular capacity. SGT Penich was Killed in Action after sustaining wounds from indirect fire. SGT Peinch’s courageous actions and devotion to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO ISAF Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John Michael Penich, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM near Karangol Village, Afghanistan, on 16 October 2008. Sergeant Penich's decisive action saved the lives of his fellow Soldiers and was directly responsible for repelling an enemy attack that was trying to overrun his position. His calm leadership enabled all involved to perform outside of their regular capacity. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Honors

In 2007, John Penich was awarded the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Soldier of the Year Award.

Burial

Sergeant John Michael Penich is buried at Mount Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, Lake County, IL.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30649417/john-michael-penich



Honoree ID: 8832   Created by: MHOH

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