It will be one year on March 7 that Michael Kurtz passed away at the age of 90. Known as Mickey to those closest to him, his was a life marked not just by his extensive work in the Southington community, but also by his exemplary service in World War II. He began his military service in April of 1943, spending the next year working through mainland bases such as Fort Rucker, learning the skills he would need when he arrived in Europe. It was early summer 1944 when Mickey arrived in England. His unit deployed first to France, then fought their way with Allied forces through France into Belgium, where Mickey received the first and second of three combat wounds. He also received his first Bronze Star in France. After a hospital stint in England recovering from his wounds, now Staff Sergeant Kurtz rejoined the First Armored Division as they continued their push toward Berlin. Fighting throughout the European Theater was often fierce, as the German military refused to admit that their war was lost. In Germany Mickey was again recognized for bravery under fire and awarded his second Bronze Star. It was also in Germany where he would […]
It will be one year on March 7 that Michael Kurtz passed away at the age of 90. Known as Mickey to those closest to him, his was a life marked not just by his extensive work in the Southington community, but also by his exemplary service in World War II. He began his military service in April of 1943, spending the next year working through mainland bases such as Fort Rucker, learning the skills he would need when he arrived in Europe. It was early summer 1944 when Mickey arrived in England. His unit deployed first to France, then fought their way with Allied forces through France into Belgium, where Mickey received the first and second of three combat wounds. He also received his first Bronze Star in France. After a hospital stint in England recovering from his wounds, now Staff Sergeant Kurtz rejoined the First Armored Division as they continued their push toward Berlin. Fighting throughout the European Theater was often fierce, as the German military refused to admit that their war was lost. In Germany Mickey was again recognized for bravery under fire and awarded his second Bronze Star. It was also in Germany where he would […]