THE WALL OF FACES

Your granddaughter found this page and shared it with me...your only child/daughter. I think of you often dad, especially during special moments snd on your birthday. It pains me not knowing what you were like or knowing what our relationship would have been like. I'll carry you forever in my heart. Loved reading the messages left here from those who crossed paths with you. You sacrificed everything. So proud of love...love you to infinity. Your daughter. Rotunda Dawkins Simmons.

I hope that you are proud. You have given me the best gift my mother. We were not fortunate enough to meet as you were taken from my mother (at infancy) and grandmother (18) We think about you. We love you. Although we never have gotten to meet. I know that you are looking down upon us watching with a smile. I think about you often . Happy belated birthday 4/10.

I read a post from another man in your company, Jeff. Jeff just like the rest of your company was headed to be evacuated from your post. I'm sure it was a relief to finally leave this horrid area, even if it meant going to another. All that relief was quickly turned to fear though as you came under fire from rockets. Jeff spoke of how you were hit with shrapnel along with two others. I'm glad Jeff was there so he could recount this story years later for a new generation.

Our entire company was staged to be airlifted from a post known as C2 when we came under rocket attack. Clarence took shelter with 3 others within a sandbagged enclosure with with 2 access points and no roof. I was moving toward the triage area, but stopped to check on them. All was well, and I moved on. I had gotten about 25 feet, when more rockets fell. I had thrown myself to the ground when I heard them coming. After the explosions, I rolled over and looked back to where I had come from and there was lots of smoke. I ran back to the shelter and all for men had been hit with shrapnel. Sadly, Clarence did not survive.

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.