24Nov1948 – 23Oct1967
Edison Days
Michael graduated with the Class of 1966.
Military Service
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Unit: Company C – 1st Battalion – 1st Infantry Regiment – 1st Marine Division
Michael enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 4, 1966. After basic training he was shipped to Vietnam, arriving in country on 2Feb1967.
The 1st Infantry Regiment – 1st Marine Division had been in Vietnam for over 18 months by the time Michael arrived. It is likely he joined C Company as a replacement.
From the time of his arrival, Michael and C Company were consistently involved in named operations such as Operation Stone, Early, County Fair, Union I, Calhoun, Pike, Swift, and Medina.
On 20Oct1967 Michael joined Operation Osceola, a security operation around Quang Tri Combat Base in Quang Tri Province. On the 4th day of the operation Michael and C Company were on a patrol just outside of the perimeter of the base when they came under enemy sniper fire. Michael was shot and killed by sniper fire.
Michael’s body was returned to Minnesota for burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Michael was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Cross and the Military Merit Medal which were presented to his mother.
Michael’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel 28E, Line 55.
Edison Heroes 