SSG Michael Joseph Paradise

taken from his cenotaph

SSG Michael Joseph Paradise was born in 1920 in Swampscott, Massachusetts. He was the 5th of 8 children born to Antonio and Angelina (Autilio) Paradise. His father was a cobbler and a successful one who owned the family home at 40 King Street in Swampscott valued at $4000 in 1940.

Michael had completed 1 year of high school when he was drafted in February 1942. He may very well have been assigned to F Company 116th Infantry before the regiment left for England aboard the Queen Mary in September 1942. There he would train with the unit for the anticipated amphibious assault and invasion of occupied France. PFC Paradise was with F Company on 6 Jun 1944. He was promoted to SSG on 20 Jun 1944. SSG Paradise was killed in action on 17 Jul 1944.

SSG Paradise rests forever in the Normandy American Cemetery. A cenotaph was erected in the Swampscott Cemetery in Swampscott, Massachusetts.