Michael Dewitt Swangin was born on May 11, 1946. His home of record is Newark, NJ. He had one sister, Patricia, and one brother, Thomas. A 1964 graduate of Wequahic High School, Michael enjoyed playing basketball and singing. He was 2nd soprano with the Blessed Sacrament Drum and Bugle Corps.
Swangin served in the US Army where he attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).
On November 19, 1966, Swangin was killed in action in South Vietnam. He was 20 years old and serving as a machine gunner at the time. He is credited with assisting in saving the lives of numerous men that day when Swangin brought his machine gun up to the front of the line to protect the rest of the unit.
Swangin was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
Information provided by Thomas Swangin, Jr. (brother) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024