Colonel Darrell James Birch – Friend of Sparks High School

Colonel Darrell James Birch was born March 16, 1920 in Reno, Nevada.  He grew up in Sparks, Nevada; he was the son of the late Josephine Martin Birch and William Russell Birch.  He graduated from Sparks High School in 1937.  He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and received his bachelor degree from San Fransisco State College.  His military career in the U.S> Army Infantry lasted from 1940 to 1968.  On June 6, 1944, Birch landed on Omaha Beach in the Normandy invasion of D-Day as a member of the Second Infantry Division.  He fought in France and Germany until WWII came to a victorious end.  He also served in the Korean War as a member of the 40th infantry division (1951-1953).

            Colonel Birch earned several medals throughout his military career: a Purple Heart with Two Oak Leaf Cluster’s, a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, a Legion of Merit, a Combat Infantry Badge with Star, an Army Commendation Medal with Three Oak Leaf Cluster’s a Joint Services Commendation Medal, a French Jubilee Medal, a Korean Medal of Appreciation (presented to him by the South Korean President Dae Jung).

            After leaving the military, Birch decided to return to teaching.  While teaching he coached numerous sports.  He loved all sports and played semi-pro baseball after college.  He devoted the rest of his life ti inspiring the youth.  He spent his final years with his wife in Columbia, South Carolina.  Colonel Birch passed away October 28, 2008 leaving behind his loving wife of 44 years, Ann Birch and his three children, Stephanie Birch Sword, Weldon Birch and Jim Birch.

Inducted 2012