Corporal Michael J. Crescenz
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

GRADUATE: Cardinal Dougherty High School

If the dictionary defines Patriot as a “person who loves, supports, and defends his country,” the accompanying photo should be of Corporal Michael J. Crescenz. His military accomplishments have been honored with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and our nation’s highest military decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

On November 20, 1968, after only two months of service in Vietnam, Crescenz was tragically shot and killed. Following this incident, Crescenz received a posthumous promotion to the rank of Corporal. Then on April 7, 1970, Crescenz became the only Philadelphian to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam when President Richard Nixon presented the award to Charles and Mary Crescenz. A hero and role model, Crescenz represents all Catholic graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.