Michael Joseph Pacana was born on November 24, 1918 to Michael and Victoria Poremski Pacana who lived in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Both parents emigrated from Poland in 1908. Michael was one of six children. His father was a machinist at a steel mill.

Michael entered service in the Army December 16, 1941 and received training at Fort Meade, Maryland. Michael was sent overseas to the Pacific Theater of Operations serving with the 27th Infantry Division. 

Technical Sergeant 5th Michael Joseph Pacana was Killed In Action July 6, 1945 on Okinawa. He is buried at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Coatesville.