THE WALL OF FACES

Michael is buried at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura, CA. PH

Mike and I were in the same Marine Bootcamp platoon (3306) back at MCRD San Diego way back 40 years ago (Sept to Oct 1966).

Today (2/9/06) I was going through my Marine Bootcamp graduation book looking for any possible casualities from my platoon...and sadly here is Michael E Sungia's name. It has been 40 years since Mike and I put our slimy civilian shoes into the infamous Yellow Footprints and busted our butts to earn the coveted title of United States Marine. We not only did we earn that title...but our platoon was named "Honor Platoon" as the best of the best.

I am saddened to see such a fine young Marine's name on "The Wall"...but I promise that I will visit his place of honor on the most fitting of memorials for those brave heores who died in that God-awful country so long ago.

I would be honored to correspond with anyone who knew him...just to help them remember a small bit of his life that I knew.

Semper Fidelis my brother Marine!!! I will see you in Heaven. Keep those gates guarded well. Forever young.

Mike: You were new to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment when you died on this day [22Dec67] thirty-six years ago. The company was on the return portion of a four-day, battalion sized sweep that had seen us go to Hill 918 and the border with Laos. Now, on our way back to Khe Sanh, our final night was spent on the 689 ridgeline. Just before dawn broke, I was wrapped in a poncho liner and perched on the edge of my foxhole making C-ration hot chocolate. As I stirred the powder into the hot water, there was a loud explosion less than 30 feet to my right. I heard marines yell for a corpsman and there was a scramble of activity. I was not a corpsman, but I went through the elephant grass to see if I could help. One of the corpsman used my hunting knife to cut some blanket roll straps to use as tourniquets, but your injuries were too severe. As a father of four children, I have made countless cups of hot chocolate over the years, and I've always said a prayer for you as the water and powder combined. May God have mercy on your soul. Semper Fi, Dennis

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Michael Edward Suniga, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you LCPL Michael Edward Suniga, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Michael, I remember you when I was a little boy of seven, you
tossed me around and showed me a few wrestling moves.
I will always remember you.