Michael Augustine was born in 1922 to Albert and Esther Augustine who lived at 111 Lukens Avenue in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. His parents immigrated from Hungary to begin their family in their new country. His father became a fireman at Lukens Steel Company.

Michael was 3rd of 4 children: Albert Jr., William, Mike, and Alexander. His father passed away in his childhood.

Michael entered service in the Army in 1942. After basic training, he was assigned to serve with the 113th Engineer Combat Battalion, 38th Infantry Division, “the Avengers of  Bataan”.

After a year of training, he came home on furlough for Christmas 1943.

In January, Michael’s Division shipped overseas to the Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) arriving in Hawaii. His division then transported to New Guinea (large island shaped like a Turkey, north of Australia) for their first combat.

After 4 months of combat, Michael's Division prepared for the coming liberation of the Philippines. In October 1944, it participated in the amphibious assault on Leyte, fulfilling General MacArthur’s promise “I Shall Return".  Leyte was the first island taken in the liberation of the Philippines, and evoked the Japanese Navy’s response which  became the largest naval battle in history – the Battle of Leyte Gulf. During this battle Heroes George Dobson and Lewis Morrison lost their lives. After securing Leyte Island, Michael’s Division staged an amphibious assault at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon January 1944, during which hero Emidio Falini died. The 38th Division staged several additional smaller landings in the process of cutting off supplies and the retreat of Japanese forces. In February, the 38th helped capture Manila, then moved on to take Bataan and supported recapturing Corregidor Private First Class Michael Augustine was Killed In Action on April 12, 1945 on Corregidor, Philippines.

A memorial service was held on Sunday June 24th at the Hungarian Presbyterian Church on Hope Avenue.

Michael was awarded the Purple Heart and  is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, in the Philippines.