Missing information?

Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?

Submit

Personal info

Full name
KOPACK, Michael Charles "Mickey"
Date of birth
12 February 1916
Age
28
Place of birth
Edwardsville, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Hometown
Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey

Military service

Service number
32146019
Rank
Sergeant
Function
Driver
Unit
696th Field Artillery Battalion,
HQ Battery
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
29 September 1944
Place of death
Near Nancy, France

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
Plot Row Grave
C 26 94

Immediate family

Members
Michael J. Kopack (father)
Mary (Kachmar) Kopack (mother)
Paul Kopack (brother)
George P. Kopack (brother)
Andrew J. Kopack (brother)
Joseph Kopack (brother)
Anna Kopack (sister)
Geraldine M. (Rea) Kopack (wife)

More information

Sgt Michael C. Kopack was employed at General Motors Corporation before he enlisted in Newark, New Jersey on 25 April 1941.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation reads: For gallantry in action while serving with the 696th Field Artillery Battalion, in action against the enemy on 29 September 1944, near Nancy, France. The infantry launched an attack against a strongly held enemy hill position. Heavy enemy mortar fire inflicted many casualties. Sgt Kopack, Reconnaissance Sgt with the Field Artillery Observer accompanying the troops, actually participated in the assault by using his small arms and operating the radio from which the observer called for and directed artillery fire. Sgt Kopack, exhibiting great courage, eagerly volunteered to accompany the Artillery Observer forward in an attempt to secure a more advantageous observation post which might offer a better opportunity to definitely locate and destroy the enemy firepower. While in the act of moving forward through the intense enemy mortar fire, he was killed by a direct hit on the vehicle that he was driving. The gallantry, aggressiveness, and supreme devotion to duty displayed by Sgt Kopack were an inspiration to those who witnessed his daring action and exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.

He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Andilly, France.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men / Meehan Costa Family Tree, www.findagrave.com - MAJ Jimmy Cotton / Usafdo, Michael Kopack - Recipient - (militarytimes.com), www.newspapers.com - The Times Leader - 26 April 1945
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Usafdo