Erro Arnold Michelson

Erro A. Michelson, 98, formerly of Sylvania, OH, and recently residing at West Park Place in Toledo, OH, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016, at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in DeKalb, IL, May 7, 1918, to parents Joseph and Edith (Juntura) Michelson. He always held great affection for his childhood memories and formative years in DeKalb – exploring Cousins' Woods and Kishwaukee Creek.

Erro and his family were extremely proud of his record as a highly decorated member of the United States Army Air Corp during W.W. II.  Erro  flew 53 missions as a bombardier in a B-17, and attained the rank of Captain.  He was in the 8th Air Force, 92nd Bomb Group, 326th Squadron, based out of Podington, England. His missions were over Germany, France, Poland and Norway. He was among the most highly decorated bombardiers in W.W. II., receiving the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters), the French Croix de Guerre, the Air Medal (with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action. In 2014, the French Legion of Honor and the President of France bestowed upon Erro a medal and certificate designating him Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight of the French Legion of Honor) for his contribution to liberating France during W.W.II.

His commanding officers in the Eighth Air Force recognized Erro's contributions, stating in an Affidavit dated December 2, 1944, upon completion of his second (voluntary) tour of duty  “This is the most extraordinary example of heroism that I have ever encountered where a man willfully, day after day, risks his life in the service of his country when it is neither required or expected of him. Captain Michelson's … bomb results have been so superior and have caused such widespread damage to the enemy that he has often been cited for the best bombing results in the Eighth Air Force. I know of no other single individual who has, by his direct actions, contributed so much to the final destruction of our enemy … His personal contribution to the war effort is so large as to be incapable of measurement.”

After his service, he moved to the Toledo area to attend Milo Bennett's Linotype School in Maumee, OH, on the G.I. bill. Erro then worked as a linotype operator in the Composing Room first for the Toledo Times and then the Toledo Blade for more than 24 years, retiring in 1979.

Erro was an exemplary man: loving, supportive, strong-willed, witty, humble and extraordinarily helpful to others. He had 98  meaningful years, during which he made an immeasurable impact on the lives of those around him. This is how he found happiness and purpose in his life.

Erro is survived by his small but loving family: daughter Kristina Moazed; grandson Ali M. Moazed (Emily Bridwell Moazed); great-grandson Erro C. Moazed; and sister Viola Burnett. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Vera (Soule) Michelson; sisters Lily Rohde, Elna Kinnary, and Ilona Hoto; and brothers Heimo, Paul, Edwin, Ilmar, and Reino Michelson.

Erro will be laid to rest at a private ceremony, with Military Honors at Toledo Memorial Park.

Memorial Services will be conducted at West Park Place at 6:00 PM on Sunday, July 24th.

 Those wishing to offer memorials are asked to consider the Audubon Society or Nature Conservancy.

Professional services were provided by the Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania.

www.reebfuneralhome.com