THE WALL OF FACES

We are at the Vietnam Memorial Wall today and placed a wreath on the panel where Bill’s name is listed

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.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Corporal Bill R. Ackerman, Served with the 1st Platoon, Company A, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

PFC Bill R. Ackerman was an infantryman serving with 1st Platoon, A Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On March 29, 1970, 1st Platoon was conducting a search and clear operation in the vicinity of Nhon Loc in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. The troopers of 1st Platoon took turns walking point, and early that afternoon it was PFC Ackerman’s turn. As the column moved down a trail, there was a sudden burst of M16 fire. The platoon sergeant, who was in the middle of the line, came running forward. At first he thought it was Ackerman firing, but then he heard the men up front yelling for 2nd platoon's M60 machine gun to come forward. When the sergeant got up front with the M60 team, they saw Ackerman on the ground. He had been hit several times in the chest and killed instantly. They believed the enemy combatant that fired at him was a trail guard for a VC/NVA base camp and was carrying an American M16. Because the U.S. rifle has a distinct report, this caused confusion towards the back of the column. Ackerman’s body was carried by his comrades back to his patrol base from where it was medivacked out. He was posthumously promoted to corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, americal4ofthe3.com, and information provided by Robert Fossett (June 2017)]

DEAR CPL. ACKERMAN,

We are still celebrating our nation's birthday. In this time of celebration, it is important to remember those who gave their all for this nation.

Thank you for your service, and REST IN PEACE.