Irzyk, Albin

Brigadeer General Albin F. Irzyk (1917-2018) was a former tank commander who led Gen. Patton's army into the Battle of the Bulge.

Irzyk, born c1917, grew up at 6 Derby St., Salem, almost across the street from Memorial Park on Fort Ave. which was renamed "Irzyk Park" in 1999. He was a standout athlete, playing quarterback on the football team and shortstop on his baseball team in college.

Irzyk, who was wounded twice in World War II, received both the Distinguished Service Medal, the third-highest honor.

He served for two years in Vietnam as commanding general and later headed the U.S. Armor School at Fort Knox, Ky. and ended his career commanding Fort Devens.

See Salem Parks and Playgrounds for more information on the park that bears his name. This park is unusual in that it has a M1-A3 tank on the grounds of the park.

Brigadier Gen. Albin Irzyk died at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sept. 10, 2018. He was 101 years old. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Irzyk Park was rededicated on Nov. 3rd, 2018. Recently, the US Army Brotherhood of Tankers volunteered their time to clean, repair, and repaint the tank.

See Also

• Vertical File in Salem Collection - Irzyk, Gen. Albin

• He rode up front for Patton by A. Irzyk, 1996.

• "City honors hometown hero:Salem names park for retired general" Salem Evening News, June 19, 1999, p. A1

• "Salem to rename Memorial Park in honor of World War II veteran" Salem Evening News, June 17, 1999, p. A1

• "Tank rolls into Salem; a 52 ton military miracle is dedicated to a local war hero" Salem Evening News, Mar. 1, 2000, p. A1

• "Lt. Col. Irzyk, Salem, Awarded DSC; already has silver and Bronze Star medals with clusters; twice wounded" Salem Evening News, July 13, 1945, p.1

• A warrior's quilt of personal military history A. Irzyk, 2011.

• "Salem war hero Albin Irzyk dies at 101" Salem News, Oct. 3, 2018, p.?