THE WALL OF FACES

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

At 5:30 PM on December 3, 1967, two recent replacements assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, were reportedly horsing around at their base camp with a live grenade when it accidently exploded after it was placed down the other’s shirt. The blast killed PFC Lawrence E. Leiba and critically injured PFC Christopher Andrews. Andrews was taken to the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku where he later expired. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, Operational Report, Lessons Learned, Quarterly Period Ending 31 January 1968” at ttu.edu; also, information provided by Wayne Rogers (September 2004) at thewall-usa.com]

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 sun 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.

As long as you are remembered you will never die...

Private First Class Christopher Andrews, Served with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR PFC ANDREWS,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN ARMY GRUNT. IT IS THE 9/11 WEEKEND WHEN WE HONOR THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES, IT IS A GOOD TIME TO HONOR YOU TOO. REST IN PEACE.