Peter Joseph Hirsch

Peter J. Hirsch, 85, a longtime resident of Ocean Springs died in Pensacola, Florida on Friday, August 5, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Hirsch (Burns) of Slocomb, Alabama and his daughter Rebecca Ann Hirsch (Frost) of New Zealand. Survivors include his current wife of 25 years, Joan West-Hirsch; sons Robert E. Hirsch and George V. Hirsch; daughters-in-law Melissa Hirsch and Debra Hirsch; daughter, Rachel Mahone; son-in-law, Doug Mahone; granddaughters Kim Batten, Amy Hirsch, Lani Tynes, Missy Turner, Tressie Hirsch, Christine Frost, Mary Hirsch and Lydia Mahone; grandsons Ian Mahone and Mark Yeatman.

Peter was born in Medford, Wisconsin on June 4, 1926 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 21, 1944, upon graduation from Medford High School. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on October 16, 1945 upon completion of OCS Class 498 at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He completed 32 years of military service and retired as Colonel in August of 1976. His areas of specialty included Infantry, Airborne, Military Assistance, and Military Logistics, and he saw service in Germany, France, Korea, Vietnam, Hawaii, and throughout the continental United States. His awards and decorations included WW II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, RVN Armed Forces Honor Medal, American Defense Theater Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Army of Occupation medal, three Overseas Bars, and a Senior Parachutist Badge.

Upon retirement from the U.S. Army, Peter worked in forestry and real estate. He moved to Ocean Springs in 1979 and served as a volunteer for the Gulf Islands National Park Service. In addition, he also worked diligently in expanding the Windsor Park Lighting District and developed a passion for fine woodworking and genealogy. Peter will be long remembered and cherished for his absolute devotion to family, his tireless work ethic, his celebratory approach to life, and his infinite generosity to others.

Interment of ashes will be held later this month at the Biloxi U. S. Veteran Cemetery during a military burial with honors.