THE WALL OF FACES

Mike is buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Chicago, IL. PH

I grew up with "Veek", as we called him on Kilbourn St. in Chicago. He was the first boy I kissed...it was for his 13th birthday I think. I was 12. I had a wild crush on him for a long time. I corresponded with him regularly while he was in the service, especially the time he was in VietNam. I sent him lots of Wyler's lemonade and popcorn. I still treasure the photos he sent me from VietNam...there were 2. I remember the big snowstorm in January of 1967. There was a going away party for him in Chicago that I couldn't attend due to the snow. I lived in the suburbs. But I did get to see him before he left for Viet Nam. My friend Linda and I hitchiked, took the bus and walked in the snow so we could see him before he left. We walked to get some coffee and talk. I am thankful everyday that I made the effort to see him because it was the last time I did. I live in Arizona now and recently had the opportunity to see the traveling Viet Nam wall. Even after all these years I cried for the loss of Mike. I think about him often and feel sad that he left us so young. I have lost all contact with his family; his mother Helen, Judy, Rita and Jimmy but I hope they are all well.

I was a friend of Mikes and was with him the day he was killed. He was a very special person and not a day goes by that I do not remember him and think of him.

I am in contact with his mother and every Nov. 1st she places flowers on his grave from me.

It is a small token of my regard for him and all of those that were killed in Vietnam and it helps makes me feel better to know that he is remembered for what he did.

He gave his life trying to rescue a wounded member of our platoon.

I was Michael's Platoon Leader the day he died. He served with Co. A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.