Michael W. Sinibaldi was born on October 1, 1949, in Newark, NJ, to Michael and Frances Sinibaldi. He had three sisters, Carol, Linda and Nina. The family moved to Kearny, NJ, when he was four years old. His home of record is Kearny. He attended St. Stephen’s School, Frankin Junior High School and Kearny High School. He loved music and playing the guitar. He was lead guitarist of the band known as “The Check Mates”. He left high school to serve in the US Army.
On October 17, 1967, Sinibaldi enlisted in the US Army where he attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). He enlisted with two friends, hoping they would be stationed together throughout their tours. They were not, and Sinibaldi arrived in Vietnam on June 7, 1968, as a member of the First Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, famed “Screaming Eagles”.
Michael wrote home frequently and seemed to be in generally high spirits, according to his mother. His only complaint was a slight case of “jungle rot” on his right hand.
On August 14, 1968, Sinibaldi died as a result of an injury sustained by hostile small arms fire in Ru En, 22 miles south of Saigon. He was 18 years old and had been in Vietnam only 6 weeks. In accordance with a request made by Sinibaldi prior to his death, one of his buddies accompanied his body home. A funeral was held with full military honors with a mass at St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Sources: Gloria Ditman (aunt), Dave Montoya (friend), newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
