Michael A Cianciolo

Staff Sergeant Cianciolo served in the European Theater during World War II with the 67th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), as the Assistant Engineer aboard a B-24D Liberator. On August 16, 1943, following a bombing mission at San Nicola Airfield in Italy, his aircraft was shot down near Lacedonia, Italy, while returning to base in Libya. Staff Sergeant Cianciolo and the other nine crew members lost their lives in the line of duty.

Michael was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 21, 1919. He graduated from Memphis Catholic High School and later completed training at the Aerial Gunner School in Wendover, Utah.

At the time of his death, Michael was survived by his parents, Saverio Cianciolo and Mamie Cianciolo; his sisters, Mamie Palazolo, Virginia Comella, and Josephine Cianciolo; and his brothers, Dominick Cianciolo, Andrew Cianciolo, John Cianciolo, Joseph Cianciolo, and Anthony Cianciolo. He is survived by generations of loving nieces and nephews. Although they never had the opportunity to know him personally, they came to know him through the stories lovingly passed down by older family members, the cherished keepsakes he left behind, and the priceless letters he wrote home during the war. Through these treasured memories, Michael's life and legacy continue to live on in the hearts of his family.

Michael's remains were identified in February 2026 through DNA matches with grandnieces Linda M. Herring and Rosanne M. Wilson.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Defense; the American Battle Monuments Commission; the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA); the DPAA medical examiners and laboratories; the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory; 1st Sergeant Curtis Snell Jr.; and Charles Johnson, Mortuary Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Army Military Casualty Office, for their outstanding dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to bringing answers and closure to the Cianciolo family.

Staff Sergeant Michael A. Cianciolo will return home to Memphis, where his memorial service will be open to the public at the Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue. Services will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and the funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Following the service, a procession will escort him to the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors in recognition of his military service and sacrifice. The family asks that all visitors be respectful as they gather to honor this American hero.

I lieu of flowers please make donations to the Folds of Honor.