Albin F. Irzyk
Albin F. Irzyk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 2, 1917 Salem, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | September 10, 2018 (aged 101) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Service years | 1940–1971 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Commands | 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment |
| Conflicts | World War II Berlin Crisis of 1961 Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (2) Bronze Star (4) Purple Heart (2) Legion of Merit - US Military Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France) Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945 |
Albin Felix Irzyk (January 2, 1917 – September 10, 2018) was an American brigadier general who was the oldest living veteran of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment.[1] Joining the Army in 1940, he was the Commander of the 8th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division of the United States Army during World War II, the Commander of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, and Assistant Commander of the 4th Infantry Division in South Vietnam during his career.
Early life and education
[edit | edit source]Irzyk was born on January 2, 1917, in Salem, Massachusetts.[2] His parents had immigrated from Poland.[3]
While at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he received a bachelor's degree, and a commission from the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in the Horse Cavalry. Irzyk also has a master's degree in International Relations from the American University in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the National War College.[citation needed]
Military career
[edit | edit source]In January 1968, Irzyk was commander of the Army's Headquarters Area Command in Saigon, in this role Irzyk organised the quick-reaction forces in the city that countered the Viet Cong Tet Offensive.[4]
He retired from the army as the Commanding General of Fort Devens, Massachusetts in 1971.[5]
Writing career
[edit | edit source]Irzyk has written multiple books,[6] including an autobiographical book He Rode Up Front for Patton[7] and Patton's Juggernaut.[8]
Legacy and honors
[edit | edit source]In 1999, a park on Fort Avenue in Salem, Massachusetts was dedicated to him. There is a military tank displayed there.[5]
He turned 100 in January 2017[2][5] and died on September 10, 2018, at the age of 101.[9] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[10]
Awards
[edit | edit source]- Distinguished Service Cross[11]
- Silver Star (2)
- Bronze Star (4)
- Purple Heart (2)
- Legion of Merit - US Military
- Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (France)
- Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945[12]
References
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- ^ Albin Felix Irzyk 2018
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External links
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- 1917 births
- 2018 deaths
- American men centenarians
- American University School of International Service alumni
- American people of Polish descent
- Military personnel from Massachusetts
- Writers from Salem, Massachusetts
- University of Massachusetts Amherst alumni
- United States Army generals
- Recipients of the Czechoslovak War Cross
- National War College alumni
- Recipients of the Silver Star
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)
- United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War
- United States Army personnel of World War II
- Recipients of the Legion of Merit
- Burials at Arlington National Cemetery
- United States Army personnel stubs
- World War II United States Army personnel stubs