Michael Beresh
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Jan 1937 - Dec 1940Military Dates
Aug 1943 - Jun 1945Society Membership
--Select One--Obituary
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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Did you know?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
