Michael Harvey Ferschke Jr. was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, November 13, 1985, and enlisted in the Marine Corps October 7, 2003, from his hometown of Maryville, TN. Upon completion of recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, SC, Private Ferschke reported to School of Infantry, Camp Lejeune, NC, where he was assigned the primary MOS of 0311, Basic Rifleman.
Upon completion of school, he reported to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune. While there he attended the Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) and was reassigned to the primary MOS of 0321, Reconnaissance Marine. Also while assigned to 2nd Recon Bn, he attended the Basic Airborne Course.
In March 2005 he was reassigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Okinawa, Japan. While there he participated in two rigorous training cycles and deployments with 31st MEU (SCC) as a member of both the Amphibious Reconnaissance and the Deep Reconnaissance Platoons, as well as attending the Marine Combatant Diver Course.
Sgt. Ferschke served in billets as radio operator and assistant team leader before being assigned to his current billet as Team Leader, Team One, 1st Platoon, Company A.
Sgt. Ferschke’s personal awards include the Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon. Other awards include the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars in lieu of third award, and National Defense Medal.
Sgt. Ferschke is survived by his wife Hotaru Ferschke of Okinawa, Japan, and their first child.
- Rank: Sergeant
- Date of birth: 13 November 1985
- Date of death: 10 August 2008
- County: Blount
- Hometown: Maryville
- Service Branch: Marine Corps
- Division/Assignment: 2nd Marine Division
- Conflict: Iraq
- Battles: Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Awards: Combat Action Ribbon, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars in lieu of third award, and National Defense Medal
- Burial/Memorial Location: Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XXV, Top Panel
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