Michael died from a heart attack on April 11, 2004 and is deeply missed by his family, fiance’ and friends. In loving memory of Michael G. Enochs (Mickey) who read the following speech at the wall on Friday, 22 August 2003, during the wreath laying ceremony at the 2003 1/1 reunion. It was something he wanted to say to those who died in his place. Ladies and gentleman, good morning and welcome. We gather here today to honor the fallen heroes of Vietnam. And in keeping with our spirit of reunion, we as a group are here to remember our lost comrades of the First Battalion, First Marine Regiment, First Marine Division. A unit that served with honor and distinction in the Republic of Vietnam from 1965 until 1971.

We have come to pay tribute to these individuals by presenting a wreath that symbolizes our deepest respect for those that made the ultimate sacrifice. I would ask now that any family members of these heroes, or family members of those in our Battalion who have passed away in the years since the war, please gather in front of the wreath and help escort it to the Wall.

There is an echo resounding from this place, across this broad land of ours. From this black granite sanctuary where heroes dwell. Over 58,000 young voices, now joined forever as one. Listen now, as they speak to us, from their side of the Wall.

This is our message, a hope and a prayer to all future generations, and especially to those who still mourn us today. Who knew us as we were, how we looked, how we sounded, and what was in our hearts. How we gave ourselves freely to the cause of human kind. In a time, as now, when causes were questioned, and loyalty was scarce. It is a message of love and a hope for understanding.

In a conflict that caused bitter conflict throughout our nation, we were the tools in the building of a kept promise. We were the ones who heeded the call of a slain young leader, who asked us to carry the bright torch of freedom to the far ends of the earth so that others around the world, if they chose, could enjoy freedom's grace.  To help people who wished to live without fear of persecution, torture and death,  just as our fathers before us had so proudly and so willingly done, and why future generations follow in our footsteps, dangerous as they may be, for the cause of humanity.

That was the purpose in our hearts, and although learned men and reluctant patriots called it wrong, we, the torch bearers, saw the right in it. We did not see beyond that duty. We were not allowed the luxury of hindsight, for we left too soon.

In years to come, the children of your children will gaze upon the reflection of this hallowed place. They will read our names and wonder what sort of men and women we were. We say to you now and always, we are you. We loathed suffering and injustice. We wanted the best for our loved ones and countrymen and fellow human beings. We wanted peace for all time, and above all, we wanted to return to the open arms of those who loved us. 

But mourn us not, for we are still here. As long as there are those who remember our gift,  and come to this place to touch us and be with us. We will gaze back at you and look for understanding in your eyes. Then, you will go, and do all the things we cannot, because in our short time on earth we felt the threat of those freedoms being taken away from you. That is why we are here now, on our side of the Wall. That is how much you meant to us. Semper Fi, Mickey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb_ZHS4Qtko&feature=player_embedded#

Back in 1986, Mike had a great sales job in a national company. He decided to look up his Marine Corps buddies from 16 years earlier; we got out in '70. He found us all and we met in DC once or twice each year for over 10 years with our wives and kids. Then some of us started dying and the group got smaller until I was the only one left. He was a natural born comedian and could hold a large audience's attention by his grasp of the subject and his pure wit. I witnessed him doing just  that at many large reunions all over the country. He also knew Civil War history like the back of his hand and we'd visit Gettysburg, PA whenever possible, too. It was never a problem for me to drop everything and leave Long Island to visit my friend in Detroit. Unfortunately, I can no longer do that....


Michael died on Easter Sunday in '04, while rolling a ball back and forth to his 2 y.o. granddaughter at his daughter's house. Both his daughter and son-in-law were EMSs but couldn't save him. It was pure stress that gave him the heart attack. He had been out of work and was waiting for his VA claim to come through, which I had been prompting him to file. His check was actually in the mail when he died. It arrived at his house during his wake. I gave the eulogy which was straight from the heart. I didn't need any notes for what I had to say. We were both forward observers in Viet Nam....


I received Mike’s Speech today from my friend's wife in Toledo, OH. That friend, Bob Cooper, who was my Sgt. in Viet Nam, died about 10 years ago. Another friend of ours from Detroit, Mike Enochs, died about 5 years ago...I thought with Veterans' Day and the Marine Corps Birthday both coming up this week that I would send this small memorial out for 2 of my dear departed Marine Corps brothers. Rest In Peace....


Zak/USMC/F 2-11/Viet Nam/'68-'69

Zak, left, with Mike Enochs standing next to him.