Darrell James Birch

Darrell James

BIRCH

Darrell J. Birch, 88, of Columbia, SC passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 in Columbia, SC. Darrell was born March 16, 1920 in Reno, he was the son of the late Josephine Birch and William R. Birch. He grew up in Sparks and received his B.A. degree from San Francisco State College. He was a pit boss and then head croupier at Harold's Club in Reno before being drafted by the U S Army where he served in the Infantry from 1940-1968.

As a member of the 2nd Infantry Division he landed on Omaha Beach in the Normandy Invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and earned the Purple Heart medal with 2 Oak Leaf clusters. He fought in the Korean conflict from 1951- 1953 as a member of the 40th Infantry Division. He also served in Ireland, Japan, Germany and Iran and had various duty stations in the U.S. His military awards include the Combat Infantry Badge with Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf cluster, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf clusters. In 1989 he was inducted into the U. S. Army Infantry Hall of Fame in Ft. Benning, GA.

After retiring from the U S Army, he received his Master's degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, and taught in public schools for 14 years. He also coached track, basketball and volleyball. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed traveling, reading, horse racing, golf and entertaining family and friends. He was a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Military Order of World Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Retired Officers Association and the Second Infantry Division Association.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Ann A. Birch,of Columbia, SC; sons, M. Weldon Birch (Barbara) of Chico, CA and James A. Birch (Donna); daughter, Stephanie Birch Sword (Chris) of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Michael Birch (Tracee) and Sean Birch of CA, Ashley Birch of Columbia, SC, Scott Birch and Halie Birch of NC; three great-grandchildren; four nephews, four neices, great-nephews and great-neices.

The memorial service will include military honors. The funeral memorial will be on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland St, Columbia, SC. Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201, or to Gentiva Hospice, 534 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210.