Albin F. Irzyk
| Albin F. Irzyk | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 2, 1917 Salem, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1971 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Commands held | 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars |
World War II 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 |
Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk (born January 2, 1917) is an 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 US 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.
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.[2]
While at the University of Massachusetts, 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.
He retired from the army as the Commanding General of Fort Devens, Massachusetts in 1971.
Since retiring Irzyk has written multiple books,[3] including an autobiographical book He Rode Up Front for Patton.[4]
In 1999 a park on Fort Avenue in Salem, MA was dedicated to him. There is a military tank displayed there.
He turned 100 in January 2017.[5]
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[6]
References
- ↑ "Brave Rifles leaders visit oldest living 3rd CR veteran". www.army.mil. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ↑ Paschall, Rod (4 January 2013). "Tet: Circling the wagons in Saigon". Vietnam Magazine. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
- ↑ "Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, WWII Tank Commander in Patton’s Famed Third Army, Speaks at Daemen College". my.daemen.edu. Daemen Today. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ↑ "He rode up front for Patton, Brig. Gen. Albin F. (Al) Irzyk". North of Boston Library Exchange. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
- ↑ Kenneth O. Preston (2017-01-30). "Irzyk explains performance of American tanks in World War II". Association of the United States Army. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
- ↑ "Albin F. Irzyk Awards". en.ww2awards.com. World War 2 Awards. Retrieved 2 January 2017.