World War II Honoree

Michael J. Cheries

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Honored By

Wayne L. Cheries

Relationship

Son

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS. SERVED WITH THE 45TH INFANTRY DIVISION, 157TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD BATTALION, COMPANY M. SAW ACTION IN NORTH AFRICA, THE INVASION OF SICILY, BATTLE OF ANZIO AND INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE. HE WAS IN HEAVY ACTION AGAINST THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE DURING OPERATION NORTH WIND (THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE BULGE) AGAINST THE VAUNTED GERMAN 6TH SS MOUNTAIN DIVISION. HIS OUTFIT WAS THE FIRST TO ENTER DACHAU PRISON CAMP. AWARDED THE COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, BRONZE STAR, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH A SILVER AND BRONZE BATTLE STAR WITH BRONZE ARROWHEAD, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND ARMY OF OCCUPATION MEDAL (GERMANY CLASP). THE 45TH DIVISION WAS AWARDED THE FRENCH CROIX DE GUERRE WITH PALM FOR THEIR PART IN ASSISTING THE FRENCH EXPEDITIONARY CORPS' VICTORY AT ACQUAFONDATA, ITALY.