THE WALL OF FACES

Dick Davis was my TAC and friend. The Red Baron was always of good humor and without meanness, rare in a TAC. When I heard of Dick's death, I was in shock. The unfairness of war and the good people it takes from us. He told me of his desire to be a commercial artist after the Army. The world is a lesser place because of his loss. He has been in my thoughts for the past 32 years. He is missed and never will be forgotten by his friends.

Lt Davis was my Tac Officer in OCS at Fort Benning in June to December 1969. His was the third platoon, 54th Co. We graduated 10 December 1969. We called him the "Red Baron" because of his hair color.
He was well respected and liked by the men of his platoon. One day he called me into his office and told me I washed out of the program as a joke. I almost went over the desk when I heard him say that. He apologised.
I was in country when I heard of his death. I was shocked and was in total disbelief. I will remember him always.

Jim Politi

Dickie Davis and I became friends when we were in junior high school. We also went to the same church. We stayed friends until the day he was killed. Dickie and I were in the same home room all through high school. I have never forgotten him. He was one of the kindest, sweetest people that I have even known. The day that he was killed was etched in my memory and it was one of the saddest days of my life. I lost a dear friend that day.Dickie, I will never forget you and all the good times that we shared. We were never boyfriend and girlfriend, but true friends that shared an eternal bond. Thank you, Dickie, for being my friend for so many years.

I met Dick Davis when we attended the MATA Course together at Bragg in early 1969. After MATA he went to the Delta, I went to An Loc as Advisors. We communicated during the year. I left RVN on a Saturday; Dick was to leave on the next Monday. On Sunday he volunteered to go out on one last patrol with his Vietnamese unit even though his turtle (replacement) was on station. His unit committed a fatal error by coming back the same way it went out. They were ambused by a VC Battalion and RF/PF (RVN troops) guys ran. Dick and his NCO were left to fight it out in a sorry, stinking rice field. Their bodies were recoverd the next day. He was due to get married on Thursday. Dick was a fine, young man. Another advisor dedicated his book on Vietnam to Dick. Read "Once a Warrior King" by David Donovan.

Dick, I have an engraving of your name in my house. My son made it for me on a visit to DC. You are always remembered by our family. I have lost touch with your folks after many years of staying in touch and visiting them. Many times I think of you and all the things that have happened to me since May of 1969. I hope to see you in Heaven. God Bless You.

John C. Sawyer, LTC, USA (Ret)
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