Mechanographia

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk (1917–2018)

Early Life and Education

Brigadier General Albin Felix Irzyk was born on January 2, 1917, in Salem, Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts, followed by a Master’s Degree in International Relations from American University. He was also a graduate of the National War College.

World War II Service

During World War II, Irzyk commanded the 8th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division under General George S. Patton’s Third Army. At the age of 27, he played a significant role in several key battles, notably the liberation of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Irzyk was wounded twice and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, America’s second-highest military decoration, for extraordinary heroism near Wolfsheim, Germany, on March 18, 1945. Despite injuries, he continued to lead a successful assault against enemy anti-tank positions.

Postwar Military Career

After World War II, Irzyk held several important commands, including leadership of the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the Berlin Crisis in 1961. He also served two tours in Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division, logging 600 combat flight hours, and earned 11 Air Medals and the Distinguished Service Medal. He concluded his military career in 1971 as the Commanding General at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

Post-Retirement and Writing

Following his retirement, General Irzyk authored the autobiography He Rode Up Front for Patton, detailing his personal experiences and observations of armored combat during the war.

Death and Legacy

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk passed away on September 10, 2018, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery (Plot 60, Grave 11739). He is remembered as a dedicated and respected military leader.

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