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 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.

Remembering Second Lieutenant Vincent Edward Duffy Jr., U.S. Army, La Salle High School Class of 1964, on what would've been his 75th birthday - 6 January 2022.

He is one of 4 La Salle graduates to make the ultimate sacrifice in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. His 3 fellow alumni are:
1. LT Bruce Rowe, USN, VF-92, USS Constellation; Class of 1962
2. Pfc Thomas Sands, USMC, H&S Co, 3/9 Mar Regt, 3 Mar Div; Class of 1964
3. SP4 Edward Shelton, USA, B/2-47 Inf, 9 Inf Div; Class of 1964

Lt. Vincent Edward Duffy was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as an Infantry Unit Commander and was assigned to D CO, 3RD BN, 22ND INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/

We were friends since age 6-7. We played Little League baseball at the same time. We went to the same parochial school for years. For a few years I was a 6th child of the Duffy s for my frequent visits. Vince and I went with his Uncle Jim, a Marine Gunny Sergeant, into Los Angeles for different games of the Rams and Dodgers. Vince loved to read and was quiet spoken. With our older brothers we played touch football. We drifted apart in High School when I went to Arcadia High, but became college roommates at UCSB and both became officers in the armed forces later. I got leave and caught a space A ride to Norton AFB when he died to be with his family and help track his casket back to his family. He had a better friend than me, but I never had a better friend than him. I stay in touch with his sister Pat, who is 2 days older than me. I'll always love Vince and his family

The Duffy family lived down the street from my family in Arcadia. He is often remembered as the shining star he always was. “A good boy always” according to my 92 year old mom. He was our neighborhood hero. I was little when he left this earth and remember how brave his mom and dad were. I have visited his name several times at the Memorial in D.C. and in reading these messages now will go see his rememberance in Sacramento also, as I live there. I am thankful to have him reside in a piece of my heart. Mary Kenz Anderson