Michael J Potocki

Baltimore, Maryland

June 26, 2006

 Killed in Al Asad, Iraq, when his unit came in contact with enemy force’s small arms fire during combat operations.

My cousin Michael Potocki was a great guy who always smiled. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. His mother Debra raised him and his little brother Kevin by herself in Baltimore, Maryland. Our family is very close and Michael is one of 16 cousins. He was a graduate of Patterson High School where he played lacrosse. After high school he joined the army and shortly after boot camp was shipped to Iraq. He was someone who never complained about being there and he was always there if you needed him. Michael made it through his first tour of Iraq, but his second tour he wasn't so lucky. He was an army sniper fighting in Al Alasd when he was killed. Michael will never be forgotten and we are very proud of him and love him very much.
Proud Cousin,
Kristen P

Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s name to Provident Bank of Maryland, Children’s Education Fund for Children who have lost parents in Iraq, 3200 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224

Quotes from soldiers, friends & family

Cpl. McCoy called Potocki “a helluva person”, a new breed of infantryman he’d like to show other countries as an example of an American.

PFC Stern said loyalty is something that cannot be taught. Specialist Potocki was loyal.

Potocki was awarded posthumously the bronze star and the purple heart. He had already been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and other medals and citations. 

He was a competent infantryman. Physically fit, he was a sniper, he followed all orders without complaint, “ said Capt. Christopher Kuzio, Alpha Company commanding officer” And he never failed his fellow soldiers.”

Spc Potocki was remembered as a friendly person who always had a big smile on his face and as a friend to fellow soldiers – “ someone to count on when things went bad.”

Potocki once said that birth and death are the two noblest expressions of bravery.