Mike began studies at University of Michigan in August 1964 but before graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army, despite his student status. He trained in the operation of helicopters at Ft. Walters, TX, and at Ft. Hunter, GA. One month after arriving in Vietnam, the helicopter he was piloting was shot down by hostile fire and all members of the crew were killed.
Warrant Officer Michael J.D. Pelch was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign Medals. He was survived by his wife Linda and his son Stephen who was celebrating his first birthday on the day that his father was shot down. Stephen has since died, at age 38, in Tampa, Florida.
Carol Hathaway (Teahan)
MICHAEL J.D. PELCH
May 2, 1946-Sept. 10, 1968
Phong Dinh Province, So. Vietnam
Mike began studies at University of Michigan in August 1964 but before graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army, despite his student status. He trained in the operation of helicopters at Ft. Walters, TX, and at Ft. Hunter, GA. One month after arriving in Vietnam, the helicopter he was piloting was shot down by hostile fire and all members of the crew were killed.
Warrant Officer Michael J.D. Pelch was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Campaign Medals. He was survived by his wife Linda and his son Stephen who was celebrating his first birthday on the day that his father was shot down. Stephen has since died, at age 38, in Tampa, Florida.