MARINE42
10-14-2006, 07:48 PM
Mike Strank
Michael Strank was born in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1919. He went to Franklin Borough High School and graduated in 1937. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and then a highway laborer for the state. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1939. He soon became a private first class and was transferred many times to many different companies. He was promoted to corporal in April 1941 and sergeant in January 1942. He was the oldest of all the flag raisers and he was their leader. He died from a Japanese mortar shell.
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Presidential Unit Citation with one star
American Defense Service medal with base clasp
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four stars
Michael Strank was born in Conemaugh, Pennsylvania on November 10, 1919. He went to Franklin Borough High School and graduated in 1937. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and then a highway laborer for the state. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1939. He soon became a private first class and was transferred many times to many different companies. He was promoted to corporal in April 1941 and sergeant in January 1942. He was the oldest of all the flag raisers and he was their leader. He died from a Japanese mortar shell.
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Presidential Unit Citation with one star
American Defense Service medal with base clasp
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four stars