Obituary of Lt. Col. Michael E. Ambrazavitch, U.S. Army

Lieutenant Colonel Michael E. Ambrazavitch, U.S. Army (Ret.), 84 years, husband of Louise (Devetak) Ambrazavitch of Peabody with whom he shared 44 years of marriage died Saturday evening at the Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem after a brief illness. Mr. Ambrazavitch was born in Peabody son of the late Julia (Guzofski) Ambrazavitch-Huluk and Alexander Ambrazavitch. He graduated from Peabody High School class of 1937 and was it’ s football team captain. He then graduated from St. Bonaventure College in New York and Boston University majoring in Business Economics. He entered the U.S. Army in June 1942 joining the 88th Infantry Div. at Camp Gruber, OK. He graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK and was commissioned in March 1943 with assignment to the 66th Infantry Div. at Camp Blanding, FL. During WWII, he served as a forward observer with the 1st Armored Div. in Italy as an executive officer with the 27th Armored Field Artillery. He was awarded the Bronze Star for combat action at Anzio. Following the war he served with the occupation forces in Germany. In January of 1951 he was sent to Korea with the 300th Armored Field Artillery in direct support of the Second Infantry Div. and ROK troops. He commanded Battery A and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action and the Silver Star for Bravery and heroic leadership of his men in action near Inje, North Korea. During the Berlin crises he was assigned to Headquarters, 60th Artillery, Fort Bliss then transferred to Germany. As well as receiving the Silver and Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart he had been awarded to Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation, 8 Campaign Stars, 4 each for WWII and Korea. He retired from the U.S. Army on Feb. 29, 1968 after a 26 year career. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed bowling. He was a member of Chapter 23 Reserve Officers Assoc., the Peabody Lodge of Elks #1409, P.L.A.V. Post #63, V.F.W. Fidelity Post #1011 and the Peabody Historical Society. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Yolanda Linda Huluk of Peabody and many nieces and cousins. He was also the brother of the late Chester E. Huluk. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St., Peabody location 978-531-0472 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 to 8 p.m. Burial in St. Mary’ s Cemetery, Salem. Visit www.ccbfuneral .com for directions and guestbook.