THE WALL OF FACES

SFC James Grady Conley is buried in Section C, Site 33A of the Fort Moore Main Post Cemetery in Fort Benning, GA.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

SSG James G. Conley was an indirect fire infantryman serving with F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry. In 1971, during the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, along with the 1st Cavalry Division, continued its role defending the capital of Saigon in Military Region III. The Americans spent the year hunting for the enemy, disrupting his logistical network, screening the approaches to Saigon, assisting with pacification, and training the South Vietnamese for the day when they would have to stand alone. On October 30, 1971, Conley was at a night defensive position with his unit three miles north of Ben Suc in Binh Duong Province, RVN. At approximately 3:30 PM, he attempted to start a fire in a charcoal grill using gasoline when the fuel exploded. He sustained 2nd degree burns over 28% of his body involving his face, neck, chest, abdomen, and arms. Conley was flown to U.S. Army 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon later that day. While undergoing treatment, infection set in, and on November 7, 1971, eight days after being injured, he suffered cardiac arrest and expired. Conley was 35 years old. He was posthumously promoted to Sergeant First Class. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “The Drawdown: 1970-1971” by Birtle & Maass]

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace SFC. Conley, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers