The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, CPL Michael Francis Branin Jr., who died in the service of his country on November 13th, 1968 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Recoilles Rifle Attack on FSB Jean. At the time of his death Michael was 20 years of age. He was from Kearny, New Jersey. Michael is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 39W, Line 58.

The decorations earned by CPL Michael Francis Branin Jr. include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

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Michael is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ

(His BSV Citation)

Award Of The Bronze Medal For Heroism

For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Branin distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, 1/35th Infantry. On 13 November 1968, Private First Class Branin's company was subjected to intense enemy mortar and recoilless rifle fire while it was defending Landing Zone Jean. During the initial barrage of enemy fire, a rocket struck Private First Class Branin's bunker. Upon impact, he threw himself between the blast and the two comrades in the bunker. As a result of his heroic actions, he was mortally wounded by the flying shrapnel. Private First Class Branin's courageous acts, initiative, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.