VETERAN OF THE DAY
January 27, 2026
GYSGT MICHEAL ALLEN MIKITIS
U.S. MARINE CORPS
September 20, 1934 – January 27, 1968
KILLED IN ACTION | VIETNAM WAR
BASIC INFORMATION
Name: Micheal Allen Mikitis
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Home of Record: Lakewood, Ohio (Cuyahoga County)
Date of Birth: September 20, 1934
Date of Death (Date of Casualty): January 27, 1968
Casualty Province (Vietnam): Quang Tri
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Panel 35E, Line 48
Unit Assignment: India Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (3/4), III MAF
HONORING HIS SERVICE
On January 27, 1968, Gunnery Sergeant Micheal Allen Mikitis was killed in action while serving with the United States Marine Corps in the Republic of Vietnam.
His loss came during the fierce fighting along Route 9 west of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province. The Virtual Wall’s battle narrative describes how 3/4 Marines were moved in to clear an ambush site and reopen Route 9, culminating in a major night assault around 0300 on January 27 against what had become known as “Mike’s Hill.” The fight turned into close, confused combat on the hilltop and across surrounding positions, and the battalion suffered heavy losses that day, including GySgt Mikitis.
GySgt Mikitis is also remembered through messages left on his Wall of Faces page, including posts from fellow Marines recalling the violence of that morning and honoring him with a simple, hard-earned “Semper Fi.”
IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
A Gunnery Sergeant carries more than rank. He carries people. When things go sideways, Marines look to the NCOs to steady the world. On January 27, 1968, in Quang Tri Province, GySgt Mikitis stood that watch and never came home.
Today we speak his name clearly: Gunnery Sergeant Micheal Allen Mikitis.
mickyspano.com/
The Micky Spano Show and mickyspano.com/ honor a Veteran of the Day, every day, because remembrance is not optional.
Today we honor GySgt Micheal Allen Mikitis, United States Marine Corps, who gave his life in Vietnam on January 27, 1968.
If you served with GySgt Mikitis, knew his family, or have photos or memories you would like to share, please reach out so his story continues to be told.
Visit: https://mickyspano.com/
Honor the fallen. Support the living. Teach the next generation.
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