Michael Girdano

Second Lieutenant Michael R. Girdano, West Point Class of 2007, died from wounds sustained on August 1st, 2008 in Asadabad, Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Originally from Apollo, Pennsylvania, 2LT Girdano excelled prior to college, playing baseball and serving as the captain of his high school football team. He then accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy which he had dreamed of attending since a visit there in the 6th grade. He commissioned as an Engineer Officer in May 2007, and graduated the Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course (EBOLC) in December 2007. 2LT Girdano was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry at Fort Cavazos, Texas and deployed as a Platoon Leader to the Chowkay Valley in Afghanistan within several months of his arrival. His sacrifice is commemorated by the Michael Girdano Award which is presented to the EBOLC graduate each class who demonstrates the most exceptional leadership and esprit de corps during the course. Candidates are nominated by their peers and compete before a board to determine the most qualified individual to receive this prestigious recognition.

Awardees:

  • 6-25 2LT Carrick W. Brown
  • 5-25 2LT Jason E. Keith
  • 4-25 2LT John F. Roberts
  • 3-25 2LT Christian M. Pochron
  • 2-25 2LT Aaron A. Boulter
  • 1-25 2LT Olek P. Gralczyk
  • 13-24 2LT Zachary D. Feltner
  • 12-24 2LT Keven C. Yucetepe
  • 11-24 2LT Sophia L. Bergen
  • 10-24 2LT Sydney G. Gregg
  • 9-24 2LT Aron J. Taylor
  • 8-24 2LT Owen N. States
  • 7-24 2LT Josephine G. Geraghty
  • 6-24 2LT Sarah E Sharpe  
  • 5-24 2LT Patrick J. Lee 
  • 4-24 2LT Togi V. Benji
  • 3-24 2LT Garrett D. Young
  • 2-24 2LT Michael L. Jurczak
  • 1-24 2LT Stephanie M. Skahen
  • 13-23 2LT Jenny L. Mercer
  • 12-23 2LT William L. Timbol
  • 11-23 2LT Charlie Chen
  • 10-23 2LT Sara M. Sheward
  • 09-23 2LT Joshua R. Nehrling
  • 08-23 2LT Anthony J. Smith
  • 07-23 2LT Tarik O. Abuhashem
  • 06-23 2LT William E. McCormick
  • 05-23 2LT Jacob L. Jewett
  • 04-23 2LT Zachary A. Sjostrom
  • 03-23 2LT Jonathan S. Rosebrook and 2LT Jake R. Brownlee
  • 02-23 2LT Douglass J. Belton
  • 01-23 2LT Reilly Altenberg
  • 13-22 2LT Quinton T. Marmo
  • 12-22 2LT Cody A. Lockard
  • 11-22 2LT Chayton S. Galloway
  • 10-22 2LT Elena L. Rippeon
  • 09-22 2LT Timothy J. Martin
  • 08-22 2LT Caleb D. Blanchard