
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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Did you know?
How often are the Guards changed?
The Guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (April 1 to Sep 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every 2 hours. The Tomb is guarded, and has been guarded, every minute of every day since 1937.