Mike Sanders

PFC Mike Sanders was born and raised in Shelby, Ohio. After graduating from high school in 1972 he worked several jobs and finally settled in working for the railroad. At the age of 24 he decided he needed to do more with his life and for his country. He contacted an army recruiter, tested well and was being steered toward several different technical MOS’s. Mike, however, insisted that he enlist as an Infantryman and Airborne Ranger.

In 1979 he completed basic training, AIT, jump school and RIP and was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. His platoon leader commented that Mike had a real future with the Rangers and assigned him to a sniper slot. He was being encouraged to consider attending OCS. Mike was a Ranger in 1979-1980, and was killed in a parachute jump during a mass battalion jump upon the battalion’s return to Hunter Airfield having completed arctic weather training in Wisconsin. Mike and another Ranger collided during the jump, collapsing both of their chutes and resulting in the deaths of both Rangers.

Mike was proud of his accomplishments, and proud to be a Ranger. He had found his place in this life.