THE WALL OF FACES

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.

Mary Frye – 1932

We didn't know each other very well. We served in the same Destroyer Squadron 22, deployed to the Med together in 1970. In 1972 we met again at Second Coastal Zone headquarters. I wish that I could have had time to share my experiences with you, and helped you cope. Peace to you!

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Ralph Peter Dupont, Jr., for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Sir, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Lieutenant Dupont, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

I served with Ralph on the HOLDER(DD-819)in 1969-71. I am posting a picture from our cruise book. Ralph and I shared a stateroom on the HOLDER. When I knew him, Ralph was married and had an apartment off-base. He was very enthusiastic about his Navy career.

I learned about Ralph's death from LT Fred Berck, another shipmate from the HOLDER who also served in Vietnam. Fred or someone from his unit pulled Ralph's body from the water in May of 1972. Fred told me about Ralph's death when he returned to Norfolk. It was a terrible loss for Ralph's family, his former shipmates, and our country.