You Don't Know Him Yet...But You Will

FYI: This picture was taken Christmas of 1967...This is my second cousin Michael Dalton. I have a little more research to do and something to get from my Father before you will know more. I just wanted to share what I have so far which is this picture but I have heard about Michael Dalton all of my life. Hence my sons name "Dalton"

However don't get me wrong its also Patrick Swayze's name in the movie Roadhouse but again that goes back to my TV watching days with my Father....this relates as well.

To be continued.....

I am not sure if Michael enlisted or was drafted into the Marine Core as many 18 year olds were back then. A few years back Russ and I traveled to Parkville, Missouri too see what they call "The Traveling Wall" which has everyone listed who was killed in Vietnam. You give the name you are looking for and a guide takes you to the line where thier name is. Then you can stand in line to recieve a print out like below, that gives details. So we did that. You all know how I like history and this was right up my ally. A relative at that.

Michael Francis Dalton
Private First Class

PERSONAL DATA
Home of Record: Kansas City, MO
Date of birth: 06/19/1949

MILITARY DATA
Service: United States Marine Corps
Grade at loss: E2
Rank: Private First Class
ID No: 2377858
MOS: 0311: RIFLEMAN
Length Service: 00
Unit: F CO, 2ND BN, 27TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF

CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: 02/16/1968
Casualty Date: 05/14/1968
Incident Date: 05/14/1968
Age at Loss: 18
Location: Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty

ON THE WALL Panel 60E Line 010

Found this in my research as well. Looks like somebody else has NEVER forgotten either. Posted in 1999, 31 years later. However the dates are off a little bit here. This friend says that michael walked away in 67, however he didnt die until 68 stated on the records. I have searched the "Wall" many times and there was no other Michawl Francis Dalton so maybe the gentleman is off a year regardless its neat!

Posted for: MICHAEL FRANCIS DALTON:
Mike, I've been to the wall 3 time's to say hello to you but this is different. Mike there is not a week that goes by that I don't think about you. Your life was taken from you at a time we both had the world ahead of us. I sometimes wonder why I'm here and your gone, what does it mean?
Buddy, I just want eveyone to know that someone is thinking about you and still remember you as you walked away from the pinball machine in '67. Take it slow my friend and enjoy beening 18 forever.
Your Friend Tim

Posted by: Tim FitzGerald
Email: Phitz!@msn.com
Relationship: Friend
Tuesday, September 14, 1999