THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

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.

Dear PFC Paul Du Charm,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

At 1530 hours [3:30 PM] on July 27, 1969, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-46A helicopter (#154018), YT-10, from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM 364), was on an emergency medevac mission 17 miles southwest of Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, RVN, when it was hit by hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire as it departed a pick-up zone. Disabled by the fire, YT-10 was observed by another Marine helicopter crew to attempt a landing on a plateau on top of a hill. Radio transmissions from the pilot of YT-10 indicated that he was loaded with medevacs and was suffering a hydraulic failure and flight control problems. The second crew observed YT-10 approach the hillside and abruptly drop below the rim and fly directly into the hillside. The aircraft rolled to bottom of a ravine and burst into flames. The other helicopter attempted to lower a crewman on a hoist to pick up survivors, however, burning jet fuel and ammo cooking off forced the rescue aircraft away. YT-10 completely burned in a matter of minutes. No survivors were recovered and eleven lives were lost in the incident. The lost crew of YT-10 included pilot 1LT Robert W. Armenio, co-pilot 1LT Daunt B. Sanders, crew chief CPL John T. McDaniel, gunners CPL John H. Harris Jr., GSGT Raymond Gibel, and LCPL Michael F. Gramlick, and corpsman HM1 Charles H. Hackworth. The five lost passengers were LCPL Leon R. Barickman, PFC Ronald J. Scharf, PFC Paul M. Du Charm, CPL Ralph D. Storm, and a wounded NVA soldier being transported for interrogation. CPL Storm's body was being evacuated after he was shot and killed while making a rescue attempt when the point man of his patrol was gunned down and killed. Storm received a Silver Star for his actions. LCPL Barickman was suffering from a severe leg infection and was taking the medevac back to the rear for treatment. He and PFC Du Charm were tasked with escorting the NVA prisoner on the flight. [Taken from popasmoke.com and vhpa.org]

I went through boot camp with Paul. I remember his smile, laughter, and dedication to being a Marine. We were separated in Viet Nam as I went to Charlie Company, 1st BN/1st Marines, 3rd Platoon, Guns. Am anxious to hear from others than knew Paul, especially those who were with him in Viet Nam. I miss him and think of him often.