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John Firpo Skorich

Home/John Firpo Skorich
John Firpo SkorichLilah Crowe2019-11-16T08:16:00-06:00
  • Name: John Firpo Skorich
  • Born in: Taconite, Minnesota
  • On: January 14, 1917
  • Passed on: November 5, 1959 (43 years old)
  • Parents: Milan "Mike" Skorch and Boja (Koruga) Skorich
  • High School and Class: 1935 - Greenway High School - Coleraine, Minnesota
  • College: 1958 - University of Maryland (Bachelor of Science Degree)
  • Highest Rank: LT COL (Lieutenant Colonel)
  • Branch: Marine Corps
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: 1935
  • Place Sworn In:
  • Date of Discharge:
  • Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
Bronze Stars
Silver Star Medals

Military Highlights:
During World War II, John served in the Marine Corps Ground Forces and became a pilot following the war. He was a jet pilot during the Korean Conflict.



Lieutenant Colonel John Skorich, attached to the Naval Forces Continental Air Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was killed November 5, 1959, in a jet airplane crash at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. The much decorated air veteran of Korea was flying a Navy jet trainer with Lieutenant Colonel Kollman of New Matamoras, Ohio, who was also killed. He had left Peterson Field at Colorado Springs Thursday morning to pick up Kollman. Both men were attached to the Naval Forces Continental Air Command whose headquarters are at Colorado Springs.

Wars Involved:
World War II
Korean Conflict

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
John moved to Marble, Minnesota with his family when he was five years old.

John was an outstanding football player.

John received his Bachelor of Science degree following a long session of night school courses.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann (McLean) Skorich; a son, John; three brothers, Joe, George and Rody; two sisters, Mrs. August (Angeline) Wohlsdorf and Mrs. William (Marie) Carmichael.

Buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California. (Section V, Site 16)

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    201 North Pokegama Ave
    Grand Rapids, MN 55744
  • 218.326.6431
  • ichs@paulbunyan.net
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