PVT Michael Walsh

PVT Michael Walsh was born 2 Oct 1888 in Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland.  His parents were Patrick and Bridget (Fitzpatrick) Walsh and he was the 3rd of their 8 children. While Michael emigrated, his mother remained in Ireland, living on Aiden Street in Kiltimagh, Ireland at least through June 1918. A recent ABC News article provided this information:

"At the age of 22, Michael Walsh emigrated from rural Ireland, arriving at Ellis Island on September 3, 1911.  He moved with other Irish immigrants to a four-story tenement that faced the Second Avenue El train in midtown and found work in the newly rebuilt Grand Central Terminal as a platform man for the American Express freight agency. He earned union rates and sent money to his parents back home in Mayo."

Michael was living at 697 2nd Avenue in Manhattan when he was inducted on 4 May 1918.  He was assigned first to the 25th Recruit Company of General Service Infantry. On 7 May 1918 he was reassigned to the 4th Recruit Company 58th Infantry.  Michael was next transferred to K Company 116th Infantry on 20 May 1918.  He shipped out for France with that unit aboard the USS Finland in June 1918. After participating in the required initial training in France with the regiment, he was killed in action on 24 Oct 1918.

PVT Walsh rests forever in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

Note: PVT Walsh's family only recently received his Purple Heart.