Harry J. Michael

Who was Harry J. Michael?

Harry J. Michael was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Michael joined the Army from his birthplace of Milford, Indiana in 1943, and by March 13, 1945 was serving as a second lieutenant in Company L, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division. On that day, near Neiderzerf, Germany, Michael single-handedly captured two German machinegun emplacements, reconnoitered the area alone, and led his platoon in two attacks which captured more enemy soldiers and materiel. He was killed while hunting for an enemy sniper the next morning. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor a year later on February 13, 1946.

Michael, killed the day after his 23rd birthday, was buried at Violett Cemetery in Goshen, Indiana.