West Point and the Army were a perfect fit for Mike. He excelled and loved every minute of his life as a cadet and as an Army officer.
Michael Denis ‘Mike’ Mierau was born in Akron, OH and grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. He attended Cuyahoga Falls High School and was a three-sport athlete there. In 2000, he was selected to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He spent a year at Ohio State University studying architecture, but his experience in Army ROTC convinced him an Army career was what he really wanted.
As a cadet, he graduated ninth in his class and served as the cadet commander of Company K-2, Kappa Dos. He lettered in track and field. He chaired the Automobile Committee and was a cheer leader. Serving as the class vice-president from plebe year was an honor he cherished. He considered West Point an exciting challenge; yet, he found it all relatively easy. Not all, however, was pure roses. He received more demerits as a company commander than in all previous years combined and often sat confinement as his tactical officer sought to teach him lessons in leadership. He was even considered for dismissal twice: once in Beast and once as a firstie. The initial admonition, even though he had been selected twice as the spooniest new cadet in Beast, was the result of studying plebe poop by the light from the hallway after lights out. The second was for strongly questioning his TAC about the need for an annual ceremony. This willingness to question tradition in the face of military effectiveness, even as a cadet, served him well throughout his career.
Mike chose Infantry and went to Fort Benning, GA for the basic course, Airborne and Ranger schools. His first assignment was to the 26th Infantry in Germany, and again he excelled. Leading platoons fit well, and he developed a reputation for tactical skills and for looking out for his soldiers. Much to his surprise, he was then assigned to Special Forces at Fort Bragg, NC. He soon deployed to Vietnam in command of an A Team. His team was one of nine to be the first deployed for a full year. That team overcame many significant challenges. These included organizing six Rhade Montagnard companies immediately after the Rhade nation revolted against the Vietnamese government in 1964. No one knew whether the Rhade would be friendly or hostile. Two months later, those same Rhade took the team hostage, and Mike negotiated the conditions that allowed the Americans to keep their weapons, continue operations versus the Viet Cong, and prepare lifesaving abilities in event the Rhade took the team into Cambodia. Within a month, he convinced the Rhade, including families, to move 120 miles to the north to replace a full Vietnamese regiment, a very necessary mission but much beyond their capabilities. Within two months, Mike, his team, and the Rhade were fully engaged in a five-day fight with a NVA Regiment in the Mang Yang Pass. The end came when the Rhade announced two weeks later that they were quitting and walking home. Mike talked them into staying until a unit could replace them, and he arranged for them to be airlifted home. Without getting anyone shot, he was able to convince the Rhade to disarm.
Two years later, Mike was back in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division to command a rifle company. He was awarded a Silver Star while in this command. At the completion of his tour, he was selected to return to the United States with General Westmoreland as his aide when the general became Chief of Staff. Following this assignment, Mike continued his 26-year career in various staff and teaching assignments.
Mike, following an avid interest in theoretical and applied leadership, entered the Army’s Organizational Effectiveness (OE) field. He soon became the senior consultant to the Commander of the Army Material Command. After 26 years of service, Mike retired and entered the civilian world armed with his OE consulting skills. He started his own company and successfully managed it for 19 years. During these exciting years, Mike consulted for companies such as John Hancock, Polaroid, Alcoa, and many others.
Mike married Julie in 1997 and committed himself to family, raising her two girls, and maintaining contact with the children from his first marriage. He will tell you that these were the best years of his life, even though he also considers his Army career that as well. He leaves behind a very loving wife and her two girls, a doctor and a Marine officer who is Navy graduate. From his first marriage, his three children (two daughters and a son) are quite successful. His older daughter is a retail store manager, the younger is a school teacher, and his son is an Army O-5 JAG who also serves the Army at its highest levels. Among his grandchildren, it looks like one hopes to become an Army officer as a doctor. The others are in the process of determining their future. Mike’s legacy will be long lasting, from the books he wrote, to the stories he told, to the guidance and leadership he provided to many.
“Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to our last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers.” —Tecumseh
— Written by Michael D. Mierau