Michael J. Pirga

Born in Poland on October 24, 1901, Michael J. Pirga came with his parents to Yonkers, New York as a child.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1922 where he proudly served until 1957. On December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor came under attack, then Sergeant Pirga was in his barracks. He was buried under the collapsed building and had to be dug out by his comrades. He subsequently spent 8 months in hospital. For this ordeal, Sergeant Pirga was awarded the Purple Heart. After having served his country for 35 years, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force on April 8, 1957 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He passed away in Yonkers, New York on January 19, 1963 at the age of 61, and was buried there.