[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 40 (Monday, March 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PFC MICHAEL VANCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 7, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Private First 
Class Michael Vancil, a native of Detroit, Michigan on what would be 
his 75th Birthday. He was killed in action during the Vietnam War, and 
his service to our nation and his ultimate sacrifice is worthy of 
commendation.
  Michael Vancil was born to Warren and Socorro Vancil on March 11, 
1947, in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up he spent time at home in Detroit 
with his loving siblings David, Arthur, Joseph, Bruce, and Nina. A 
gifted fisherman, he could often be found fishing around Southeast 
Michigan and dancing with friends around town. At age 17, he heard the 
call of his country and decided to join the fight. He enlisted in the 
United States Marine Corps on October 7, 1964, joining Company C, 1st 
Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein) FMF.
  During his deployment, he was assigned to patrol the Thura Thien Hue 
province, providing defense in a vital area of South Vietnam. On June 
17, 1966, near Route 546 and Highway 1, CAC 7 Alpha lay in their ambush 
site providing essential defense. The Viet Cong opened fire on the 
Marine patrolmen and Private First Class Vancil was killed by hostile 
rifle fire at age 19.
  Private First Class Vancil is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in his 
hometown of Detroit, Michigan. His memory is enshrined forever at 
Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. where his name is listed 
at Panel 8E, Line 59. He is also enshrined at the Veterans Memorial 
Wall at the John D. Dingell, VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan 
that honors City of Detroit residents who lost their lives in combat.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life 
and legacy of Private First Class Michael Vancil for his invaluable 
service to this nation. He showed courage and patriotism at such a 
young age, and his sacrifice has never been forgotten. Private First 
Class Vancil gave his all. We are grateful for his honorable service 
and know that his legacy lives on through his loving family and 
friends.

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