THE WALL OF FACES

Capt. Crocker was a leader who led by example. He cared for the men in his company and made you feel very important. When he was killed he was out front, where he didn't have to be, leading his men and stepped on a landmine. He always held his principals to the highest standard, thereby, inspiring those under his command. A great leader was lost.

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils byt he silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

David I will never forget you and your lovely wife in Wildflecken, Germany. You represented the best America had to give. You were far too good for that, or any other war. I was just arriving in Cu Chi when you made the supreme sacrifice for your country. May God hold you forever in his hands my friend.

As a young 19 year old Infantry squad leader I found myself very much in need of a hero. I remember one day seeing Cpt Crocker standing atop his APC directing the clearing of an LZ for a MEDIVAC to come in and take out our wounded. He stood tall in the saddle like my boyhood cowboy heroes. Later that month he did likewise to medivac me. He was our "John Wayne." Bigger than life to most of us! 30 years later I still remember his leadership and compassion for every man in a Alpha Company, 2/22d Infantry. I look at photos of Viet Nam and remember a man who helped me learn the lessons to get back home. I will always pay respects to the memory at the wall to Cpt Crocker...a true hero! Rest in Peace with Our Lord.

The highest level of testimony to the greatness of David Crocker would be that in the five months of combat that I knew him, I never once heard a bad word said about him. And anyone who has been infantry knows how rare that history has been. His leadership qualities were textbook, but even though he was a West Point grad, he had a slight irreverance to the whole war and it's leadership that made you aware of the fact that he was one of us. He never faltered in his duties, and on the day of his death, some of the toughest, most hardened men in history wept like children. Thank you Captain, for getting so many of us home. you are remembered many times a year in my household. Dick Nash