MICHAEL C. WUNSCH, CAPT, USMC
Michael Wunsch '66
Lucky Bag
From the 1966 Lucky Bag:
MICHAEL CHARLES WUNSCH
Feasterville, Pennsylvania
Mike came to the Academy from Feasterville, Pennsylvania, bringing with him a varied assortment of athletic letters from Neshaminy High School, a flare for the artistic, a true intellectual curiosity, and a personality equally strong in humor, principle, and amiability. He has developed his athletic ability, through plebe and varsity wrestling and football and other intramural sports. His artistic talents are best exemplified by his Eleventh Company Tigers which have held sway over the company area since the beginning of second class year, but repeated successes in poster contests and the Art and Printing Club are further testimony to his skill and initiative. Indicative of Mike's intellectual zeal and capacity are his option curriculum and additional electives. As a member of the plebe detail, as motivator of company spirit, and as a man always ready to help peer and subordinate alike, he has won the respect and friendship of all associated with him and shown that good example is the very essence of good leadership. In his four years at the Academy, Mike has proved that determination and conscientious application of self are the prerequisites and inevitable determinants of success — here, in the fleet, and throughout life.
He was also a member of the 11th Company staff (fall and spring).
MICHAEL CHARLES WUNSCH
Feasterville, Pennsylvania
Mike came to the Academy from Feasterville, Pennsylvania, bringing with him a varied assortment of athletic letters from Neshaminy High School, a flare for the artistic, a true intellectual curiosity, and a personality equally strong in humor, principle, and amiability. He has developed his athletic ability, through plebe and varsity wrestling and football and other intramural sports. His artistic talents are best exemplified by his Eleventh Company Tigers which have held sway over the company area since the beginning of second class year, but repeated successes in poster contests and the Art and Printing Club are further testimony to his skill and initiative. Indicative of Mike's intellectual zeal and capacity are his option curriculum and additional electives. As a member of the plebe detail, as motivator of company spirit, and as a man always ready to help peer and subordinate alike, he has won the respect and friendship of all associated with him and shown that good example is the very essence of good leadership. In his four years at the Academy, Mike has proved that determination and conscientious application of self are the prerequisites and inevitable determinants of success — here, in the fleet, and throughout life.
He was also a member of the 11th Company staff (fall and spring).
Loss
Michael was killed in action on July 28, 1969 in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam when the tank he was aboard was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was commanding officer of Company A, Third Tank Battalion, Third Marine Division.
Other Information
From the November 1969 issue of Shipmate:
A member of the Eleventh Company at the Naval Academy, Capt. Wunsch was graduated with the class of 1966 and commissioned into the Marine Corps. After Basic School at Quantico, Va., he served with the Fifth Tank Battalion, Fifth Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Capt. Wunsch had been in Vietnam since July 1968.
Survivors include his widow Diane of 303 High St., West Chester, Pa. 19380; his parents Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wunsch of 37 N. Eastview Ave., Feasterville, Pa. 19048; two sisters Miss Suzanne Wunsch and Mrs. Bruce Eisner, also of Feasterville, and a brother Pfc. Theodore Wunsch, USA, stationed in New Hampshire,
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Michael volunteered for tank service and was sent to Vietnam. He was to leave Vietnam on August 10.
His sister, Mrs. Bruce (Judith) Elsner said, “He died for what he thought was right and was proud to be doing it. He never complained about battle. He never said a word about any problems he was having in his letters. He would only write home telling us how proud he was to be serving.”
His brother Pfc. Theodore Wunsch was stationed in the Army in New Hampshire.
At Neshaminy High School, Michael participated in: National Honor Society; Basketball 10, 11; Football 10, 11, 12; Track 10, 11, 12; Class Committees 10, 12; Gym Night 10, 11, 12. He was named All-Lower Bucks County end in 1961. At one time, he taught Sunday School.
In September 1965, Michael was commander of the 11th Company at the Naval Academy. Before graduation in 1966, he spoke to six local junior and senior high schools as part of “Operation Information.”
In January 1967, he married Diane Louise Pericles, Miss Bucks County of 1965.
Michael is buried in Pennsylvania.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
Silver Star
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Michael C. Wunsch, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 July 1969, Captain Wunch's unit, in conjunction with an infantry company, was participating in Operation IDAHO CANYON northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of mortar fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Wunsch fearlessly exposed himself to the impacting rounds as he skillfully directed the movement and fire of his tanks, causing the hostile unit to withdraw. That night, while the combined force occupied a defensive position, the Marines were subjected to a vicious ground attack by North Vietnamese Army soldiers determined to penetrate the defensive perimeter. Boldly moving to an exposed vantage point, Captain Wunsch dauntlessly pointed out enemy targets until the assault was repelled. During the early morning hours, he detected movement forward of his position and, reacting instantly, boldly stood in the turret of his tracked vehicle to better observe the area. While thus exposed to the intense hostile fire, he was mortally wounded by the detonation of a rocket-propelled grenade which impacted on his tank. His heroic actions and determined efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Wunsch contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: July 27, 1969
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Company: Company A
Battalion: 3d Tank Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
Related Articles
Victor Buckley '66 and Richard Williams '66 were also in 11th Company.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
