Col. Michael Paul Umhofer (Ret.)

Umhofer, Col. Michael Paul (Rtd.)
Passed away on October 21, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ at the age of 82. Born in Bamberg, Germany, Michael and his parents immigrated to Rochester, NY, when he was two-years-old. Soon, he began his successful climb from alter boy at Holy Family Catholic Church, on to Eagle Scout, and then enlisting in the U.S. Army, as a paratrooper with the initial glider flights into the European Theater. He re-enlisted into the Korean War where he helped found the Special Forces and directed Psychological Operations over the Korean Broadcasting Service. He served as a Brigade and Corps Civil Affairs Officer in Vietnam, and later as a Chief of Army Doctrine for Psychological Operations. His military dedication, and expertise earned him numerous medals, and outstanding written commendations from top brass including, Admiral John S. McCain, Jr.; US Army Chief of Staff General W. C. Westmoreland and Combat Development Commanding General LTG Forsythe. Medals awarded include: (2) Bronze Stars; (2) Army Meritorious Unit Awards; Army Presidential Unit Citation; Vietnam Galentry Cross; Vietnam Service Medal; (2) Purple Hearts; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; United Nations Service Medal Korea; Korean Service Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign; American Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; WWII Victory Medal; and Good Conduct Medal. In 1971, he left active duty to command the United States Army Reserve's 401st Civil Affairs Unit in Webster, New York until his retirement in 1985. His civilian life was spent teaching history and social studies at Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin High Schools in the Rochester City Schools District. He spent his retirement years in Florida, where he authored several military books, and then permanently relocated to Arizona. He is predeceased by his son, Mike, and survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathe, his daughter Ann and son-in-law, Matt Marich, including several nieces, nephews and extended family. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 3:00 PM at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary located at 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. in Scottsdale. He will receive a full honors ceremony and burial at Arlington National Cemetery at 3:00PM on January 12, 2009.