Sgt. Michael H. Ferschke Jr.
August 10, 2008
Iraq
Michael H. Ferschke, Jr. was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on November 13, 1985 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 7, 2003 from his home town 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, NC. While at 2nd Recon Bn, he attended the Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) and was re-assigned 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 assigned to 3rd Recon Bn, he participated in two rigorous training cycles and deployments with 31 st MEU(SOC) 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, 1 st Platoon, Company A.
Sergeant Ferschke's personal awards include the Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon.
Sergeant Ferschke's 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.
Sergeant Ferschke is survived by his wife Hotaru Ferschke of Okinawa, Japan and their first child.
FERSCHKE, SERGEANT MICHAEL HARVEY, JR., 22, of Maryville, TN, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 10, 2008 while serving with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq.
Michael was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on November 13, 1985 and lived there for the first nine years of his life, then lived his remaining years in Maryville, TN. He graduated from Maryville High School in 2003; joined the Marine Corps and reported for Basic Training at Parris Island, SC in October 2003. He served as a proud Recon Marine in North Carolina, Okinawa, and his last mission in Iraq. He served with the 3rd Recon Bn., 1st Platoon, ACo.
Preceded in death by grandparents, Evelyn Decotaux, Robert Lambert, Sr., Gerald Ferschke, and Florence Ferschke; cousins, Michael Lemire and Jamie Bradley; Uncle, Dennis Ferschke; aunts, Jackie Bradley, Susie Ratti and Lucille Ferschke.
He is survived by a loving wife, Hotaru (Nakama) Ferschke and their first child, who is due in January 2009; parents, Michael H. Ferschke, Sr. and Robin K. (Lambert) Ferschke; brother, Raymond Lambert; sister, Alissa Bridgman; nieces and nephews, Jasmine, Bryson, Andrew, Courtney, and Jack; brother-in-law, John Bridgman; aunts and uncles, Deborah Fortier, Robert Lambert, June McMahon, Kim Wyatt, Chris Lambert, Lyn Doyon, Tammy Lambert, Donald Ferschke, Carol Laravie, Janice Gothier, France Cote, Mark Ferschke, Norman Ferschke, Bob Ferschke, Christine Smith; fifty-two cousins; the remaining of the Fearsome Four Randy, Jonathan, Ben; and special friends, Doug and Irene Cooper, Zeal (brother Marine). Michael will be greatly missed by all who loved him, all who knew him, and all who wanted to know him. He was a very proud Marine,
and his family was most important to him. Michael will always be remembered in all of our hearts, forever.