Victor Michael was born February 21, 1922, at Parker, Turner County, South Dakota, to Albert and Anna Michael. He had a sister, Doris Marie. Before he entered the service, Victor worked for his father at Parker.

On October 25, 1942, Victor Michael entered active service at Camp Funsten in Kansas. He was shipped overseas on November 9, 1943, to the European theater. Michael was part of the 9^th Armored Division, 3^rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion.

The Parker New Era reported that Pfc. Michael was recognized for "heroism in the face of enemy fire" soon after the Germans "began their winter offensive." His unit "made a 10-day stand in the vicinity of Waldbillig, Luxembourg, then helped lift the siege of Bastogne." During this time, "Two members of a howitzer section in which Pfc. Michael was a cannoneer were wounded, one severely. The men were in a small dugout and Pfc. Michael realized that one of the men would have to be removed before the other could be adequately treated." The article goes on to report that Pfc. Michael "dragged and carried the less severely wounded man for 70 yards to another dugout, all the time under intense enemy artillery fire."

On June 15, 1945, after VE Day in Europe, Pfc. Victor Michael was killed when his weapon accidentally discharged. According to the word sent by the War Department to the family, "Although he received all the medical aid possible, he died shortly after reaching the medical station. Victor will be greatly missed by all members of his battery. I wish there was something I might say to make lighter and to share the sense of loss which has now come to you."

This entry was respectfully submitted by Sheila Hansen, Fallen Sons State Coordinator, Spearfish, SD. Information for this entry was provided by an application for a SD veteran’s bonus payment and the Parker New Era issues 3/22/45 and 7/26/45.