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.

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

Corporal William Henry Arnold, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

On October 8, 1967, a United States Air Force Lockheed C-130B Hercules (#61-2649) transport aircraft from the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron, 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing, 7th Air Force, crashed into a cloud-covered mountain in poor weather. The wreckage was found two days later about 150 feet below the summit of the 1850 feet high mountain. There were no survivors. Total losses were 23 personnel, including 5 crew members and 18 passengers. The Hercules aircraft had taken off from Phu Bai Airfield near Hue for the short flight to Da Nang. The weather was poor with low clouds and ground fog, and 10 minutes after taking off the aircraft flew into Dong Nhut Mountain about 15 miles to the southeast of Phu Bai. The wreckage was discovered two days later and the recovery mission was conducted by E Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines. The lost USAF crew included pilot (instructor) MAJ Robert W. Anderson, co-pilot LTC Christopher Braybrooke, navigator CAPT Scott M. Burkett, flight engineer A1C Terry M. Rehm, and loadmaster A2C Ronald P. Ruyff. The lost passengers were: (USMC) CPL William H. Arnold, SGT Francisco H. Gonzalez, PFC Bernie C. Kridler III, LCPL Dan E. Warner, and SGT Donald A. Wilkinson; (USAF) TSGT Cloyce O. Burkett Jr.;(USA) SP4 Richard G. Ferruggia, SP4 Terrance H. Larson, 1LT John S. Martin, SP4 Robert D. Nelson, SP4 Joseph P. Rowley, SP4 John D. Saville Jr., SP5 William L. Stewart Jr., and SP4 Ronald A. Vilardo; (USN) CEW3 John H. Gilliland III, CEP3 George A. Guy, BULCN Melvin E. Johnson, and HM1 Bobby D. Stevenson. Because it was not possible at the time to make individual identifications, a group burial was made at Arlington National Cemetery. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, 46thars.tripod.com, and aviation-safety.net]

DEAR CORPORAL ARNOLD,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A MARINE MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR. SEMPER FI AND REST IN PEACE.

We never met, but I heard about you the whole time I was growing up. Your grandson, Dillon is my 4th cousin but we grew up very close. We have a close knit family I know you would love. Your son, William Danny Arnold passed away on Saturday at 57. I hope you have reunited and are watching over us and Dillon. Thank you for your service! Semper if!