Michael C. Roell was born on October 31, 1946, to Wilbert L. and Argentina R. Roell. His home of record is Hillsdale, NJ. He had three siblings: Edward, Susan, and Ronald.

He served in the US Army and attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC).

Roell was killed in action on May 26, 1967, when his unit became engaged in fighting in the Central Highlands near Pleiku.

He was awarded a Purple Heart.

The following is an excerpt about Michael from The Record dated Monday, January 29, 1973:

Michael G. Roell, 20, had dropped out of high school. He preferred cars to studies, but left unfinished his project of reassembling a Model A Ford.

In May 1967, his Army unit became engaged in fighting in the Central Highlands near Pleiku. The young soldier was killed—along with half of his 150-man company.

Pfc. Roell’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Roell, were notified of their son’s death by a sergeant who burst into tears on their doorstep, saying it was his first experience with this type of duty.

The soldier’s Purple Heart was delivered to his father a month after the death—on Father’s Day.

Sources: Edward Roell (brother), The Record, and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024