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WHEREAS, born March 6, 1928, Andrew Kichi, a life-long resident of Pittsburgh's Greenfield neighborhood, valiantly served his country in the United States Armed Services; and
WHEREAS, both of Andrew's parents emigrated from then-Czechoslovakia, coming to the United States and settling in the Four Mile Run section of Greenfield before later moving to Greenfield's Yoder Street. Growing up, Andrew attended the Greenfield School; and
WHEREAS, in 1946, Andrew was drafted into the United States Marine Corps' Reserves, his service beginning January 7, 1946, and lasting until November 10, 1947. During that time, he served in the Pacific Ocean area, participating in the United States occupation of China; and,
WHEREAS, in 1950, Andrew - again as a marine - served in the Korean War. His service there lasted from October 15, 1950, until December 24, 1950, and during that time, he earned the rank of corporal; and
WHEREAS, Andrew was part of the United States Armed Forces and United Nations troops' efforts during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign, a major battle in the Korean War in which the Marines Corps played a pivotal role; and
WHEREAS, in the line of duty, Andrew was shot and wounded on December 6, 1950. He was evacuated to Japan and operated on in a mobile army surgical hospital (MASH). Once stable, he was transported back home to Pittsburgh. He earned an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps on May 21, 1951; and
WHEREAS, upon returning to Pittsburgh, Andrew met Alice McIntire, with whom he would fall in love, get married, and start a family. Together, they had six children: four boys and two girls. Andrew earned a sterling reputation as a committed, kind-hearted community member and family man; and
WHEREAS, in advance of his 90th birthday, Andrew will be presented with a Purple Heart, a military award given to service members who were wounded or kill in service of their country. Surrounded by family and friends, Andrew's selfless dedicatio...
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