Michael Beresh
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Jan 1937 - Dec 1940Military Dates
Aug 1943 - Jun 1945Obituary
Michael Beresh, age 98, of Donora, PA, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Thorpe's New Dawn Personal Care in N. Charleroi, PA.
He was born September 2, 1917 in Donora, PA the son of the late Josef and Anna (Borsch) Beresh.
Michael was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Church in Donora, the Donora American Legion Ernest Jobes Post #212, the American Croaition Club in Donora and the St. Dominics Mens Club.
Michael served with the U. S. Army 3rd Calvary Division, in the machine gun troop from 1937 thru 1940. During this time he was one of the first guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. During World War II He served in the U.S. Navy as a member of an Armed Guard Crew on the SS John Cropper. He received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with one bronze star and the World War II Victory Medal.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Velma Kerkan Beresh on January 29, 2011; two sisters, Mary Learn and Margaret Bercik; and four brothers, Nicholas, John, Joseph, and Rafael Beresh.
Survivors include his two sons, Michael (Marsha) Beresh of Donora and Paul (Carole) Beresh of VA; two grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Beresh of Donora and Mark (Jenn) Beresh of MO; two great grandchildren, Hannah and Caitlin; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Beresh of Donora; also, several nieces and nephews.
Memories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
3rd United States Calvary RegimentUSS John Cropper, US Navy
Awards & Decorations
European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon (w/Bronze Star)World War II Victory Medal
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Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
