Michael Arthur Walters

Private First Class Michael Arthur Walters was born on January 11, 1947 to John S. and Mary A. Walters. His hometown of record was Gloucester City, New Jersey, where he attended St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Michael Walters was unmarried when he was sent to Vietnam. His family lived at 400 Market Street in Gloucester City.

After being drafted into the Army, Michael Walters underwent basic training and was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division. He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on April 18, 1969.

Private First Class Michael Arthur Walters was killed in action at Pleiku on May 11, 1969, in an action that also took the lives of five other men in his company: Private First Class Robert Gary Koval, Fairmont, WV; Private First Class Terry Kay Maready, Okemah, OK; Specialist 4th Class Charles Thomas Neal, Atlanta, GA; Specialist 4th Class Richard Manuel Paco, Pacolma, CA; and Private William Henry Swanson, Nashville, TN.

He was awarded the Purple Heart. Michael A. Walters is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 25W, Line 57.

He is buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Gloucester City, New Jersey — Section B, Plot 106.

I miss you and love you, my brother.

— Anna Walters-Heins, Sister — May 30, 2008

You are my life, you are the light that burns in my heart. Though you are not here in life, you are here in spirit. You share my tears, you share my heart, you share my touch. You’re the light that burns in me and will never go out.

— Marion Walters Porter, Sister — March 22, 2002

Mike, you are the cousin I never met, but thank you for your sacrifice. I too served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and I know what you went through, and from the bottom of my heart, “Thank You For Making the Ultimate Sacrifice!” May you Rest In Peace, Cousin.

— HM2(FMF) Scott E. Walters, Cousin — June 1, 2006

I was a neighbor of Michael’s when he was growing up. A nice kid, shy with red hair and big blue eyes, with the world in front of him. Michael gave his life for his country. What higher price can we pay for patriotism. May God hold Michael in the palms of his hands, and God bless him and his family. A fellow veteran and neighbor.

— Bob Fair, Neighbor & Fellow Veteran, American Legion Post 135, Gloucester City, NJ — April 16, 2000