THE WALL OF FACES

Sergeant Michael James Francis, Served with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Michael, was a Senior at Our Lady Of Sorrows Highschool when I was a Freshman in 1966. He came from a large Catholic family in Southfield, Michigan. He gave his all when a NVA Mortar Attack took his life. I attended his funeral in October of 1967. His older Brother, William (Bill) Joseph Francis, told me that he was going to join the Army in HONOR of Mike. Bill was KIA in a Helicopter crash on March 9, 1970. Bill's funeral was in March of 1970. In the December 1st 1969 "Lottery Draft" my # 76 came up. The Francis Brothers deaths in Vietnam, inspired me to enlist in the US Navy Reserves on March 19, 1970. I trained at the US Army / Navy Training Center in Southfield, Michigan from 3-19-70 to 9-19-71 and served until July 28, 1973. The Cemetery where both Francis Brothers were laid to rest is where my Grandparents, Parents and Sister are buried. There were 31 sets of Brothers KIA in the Vietnam War. The Francis Brother's are the only ones from Michigan. They gave their lives in HONOR of their Family and Country. I am honored to have had them in my life and know that they both are Soldiers of God.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Thanks for your service. According to John 5:28,29 we will see him again. Any questions you can email me at jamesbarbee@hotmail. com

A good friend through high school. You could always be counted on. Rest in peace my friend.