THE WALL OF FACES

I grew up near Lt Giannini's neighborhood but did not know him. I also graduated from Temple in 1968. My unit operated around Tay Ninh and was lucky enough to survive my tour. I wish I had known Lt Giannini as our paths may have crossed in Philadelphia. May he and his family find peace until they are all reunited in a better place.

I was an OCS classmate of Mike's. I remember him very well because he was such a positive, fun good-looking guy. I was shocked when I found out he had been killed. I tell lots of school children about Mike being the best-looking guy to come out of Philadelphia when I take them from their schools in Michigan and Ohio to the DC Wall. Some have even taken rubbings of his name with them. I went to visit another Army friend in Philadelphia in the summer of 2004. He was my battery XO in Vietnam on my second tour there, so I told him about Mike too, and we walked to the Philadelphia veterans memorial park and memorial wall near the river. Both of us wept when we saw Mike's name and the memorial information about him. I think about Mike often and wish his family peace.

My name is Kyle Willey and I go to Gridley High School. This is a Posting Project for my world history class. I am still honored to recognize your bravery and courage during our countries time of war. Thank you.

First Lt. Michael A. Giannini, 23, of 6733 Roosevelt blvd.
Giannini was graduated from Father Judge High School in June, 1961. He then worked four years as a bus boy at Smylie's Restaurant, Roosevelt blvd. and Rhawn st. He was attending night classes in business administration at Temple prior to being drafted in March, 1965.
Surviving are his parents, Francis and Helen; a brother, Philip; and a sister, Anna Mae.

Michael A. Giannini
Roosevelt Boulevard, Oxford Circle

Giannini was a member of the Father Judge High School Honor Society before graduating in 1961. His hobbies included skiing, swimming and football. For two years, he worked as a busboy and shop foreman while studying business administration at Temple University at night. Gianinni entered the Army in March 1965. He was a forward observer before attending Officer Candidate School. The 23-year-old first lieutenant was commander of Battery B of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam, when he died on March 16, 1967. Survivors included his parents, a brother and sister.
... from The Philadelphia Daily News