Company D, 16thArmor173d Airborne Brigade Copy I
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His service information as listed on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial website.
Link to his entry on the 
​​Vietnam Virtual Wall Memoria
l
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Pfc. Michael Brancato was the first D/16th trooper killed in Vietnam. He was killed by a roadside bomb that exploded under his APC on October 8, 1965.

​The D/16th basecamp in Bien Hoa was named in his hon
or.
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His track being recovered after the explosion that cost his life.
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Link to his entry on the Honor States Site. 

"from page 10 of the 1965 D/16th Armor Unit History approved by Capt. John Dunlop, Jr., Commanding:"  "On 8 October the company departed Bien Hoa with the Brigade on a search and destroy operation taking place within the "Iron Triangle." Enroute to Ben Cat, a PC commanded by SSgt St. Clair developed trouble and pulled over to the side of the road.  The company continued on to Ben Cat.  Once the company arrived in Ben Cat a wrecker was dispatched to retrieve D-35 and its crew.  While the PC was being towed to Ben Cat, it hit a command detonated mine killing the driver, PFC Michael Brancato, and injuring SSgt St. Clair, Sp/5 Day, Sp/5Westerman, and SP/5 Moore.  The PC was destroyed.  The rest of the company in Ben Cat continued transporting the Australians across the river on the southern side of the town, and into the "Iron Triangle."

Links to Michael G. Brancato sites:  Wall of Faces     HonorStates
By RoseMary Hamlin
Birthday Wishes
I salute you, Michael, on what, would have been your 59th, birthday. Thank you, for being, in Viet Nam and giving, your life for the freedom, that I enjoy now. You will, always be remembered, as being a hero, to your family and your friends. You soar, with the angels, now and touch the face of God, everyday. Rest peacefully Michael, you've earned it.  
​
Saturday, February 22, 2003
By Gino Brancato
​My Uncle
He's my fathers brother, my uncle
North Fork, Ca., 93643, Madera
I was born, on my uncle's, birthday. I wish, I could, have known him. I wonder, if I, look like him.

Thursday, December 13, 2001

Images from Camp Brancato:
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