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From the time he was a lad in grammar school spending many hours playing with his large collection of toy soldiers until his unexpected passing following surgery for wounds received at Khe Sanh on 3 April 1968, Mike loved anything that pertained to the military.</p>
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An outstanding student at Dumont, New Jersey, high school, he was termed by a local newspaper reporter as “Dumont’s answer to Jim Thorpe.” This observation was based on Mike’s winning three letters, being quarterback and co-captain of the 1958 gridders, and being co-captain of the track team on which he distinguished himself in the dashes, broad jump, shot put, and discus. These facts, coupled with his scholastic achievement which included being President of the National Honor Society, a member of the high school paper staff, the Spiked Shoe Club, Engineering and Science Club, a participant at Boys State as "Mayor” and “Senator,” led to his being voted “Best All-Round Senior Male."</p>
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After a year at Colgate, Mike realized a childhood dream—he was accepted at West Point. Active in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, until surgery put an end to his athletic career, he turned to coaching the Plebe 150-pound football team. At the close of his own Plebe year, he received the Association of Graduates' annual award for outstanding military efficiency and leadership. During those years at the Point which he loved so well, he was a member of the Rocket Society, Russian Club, Dialectic Society, and Glee Club. During his last year he served as Brigade Adjutant.</p>
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Shortly after graduation Mike received further training at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he completed the Airborne Course in August and was an Honor Graduate of the Ranger Course in November. This was followed by thirteen months in Korea during which time he earned the Army Commendation Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service” as Rifle Platoon Leader and the Battalion 4.2-inch Heavy Mortar Platoon Leader. First Lieutenant Nawrosky then served as aide-de-camp to the Commandant of Cadets at West Point. He was promoted to Captain in June 1967 and volunteered for active duty in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. During his nine months there as company commander in the First Cavalry Division, he lost only three men until the battle at Khe Sanh where he was severely wounded trying to aid one of two other injured men. Unable to speak, he continued to lead his men by writing his orders on paper. Three months later, while at Walter Reed General Hospital for surgery to restore his voice, Mike departed to join many others who had also given their last full measure of devotion to their Country. His parents were posthumously awarded their son's Silver Star and Purple Heart at ceremonies conducted 15 February 1969, at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Also in February 1969, the Michael Nawrosky Scholarship Fund was established at the Dumont High School by the residents of Dumont, New Jersey.</p>
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Mike’s sincerity, compassion, love of country, devotion to duty, zest for living, and infectious grin made him very special to all whose lives he had enriched with his friendship. Those who knew him best loved him most.</p>
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<em>-R.L.M.</em></p>