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.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May you forever Rest In Peace and your family know you are not forgotten. Peace be with you and your loved ones forever more.

Corporal Gary Lawrence Elia, Served with the 2nd Platoon, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear CPL Gary Elia,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. 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.

On January 20, 1968, tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC’s) from 2nd Platoon, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, were conducting a road security mission when they were ambushed by enemy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire near the main gate of Cu Chi Base Camp in Hau Nghia Province, RVN. One tank and five APC’s were hit in the assault, with the tank suffering no damage, but four of the APC’s being destroyed. The Americans returned fire with small arms, automatic weapons, and rounds fired from the tank’s main gun. Initial reports of U.S. losses were put at two killed, fifteen wounded, and six missing in action. When the engagement ended, the six missing were recovered, most of them unidentifiable due to burns they suffered within one of the burnt-out APC’s. A total of eight troopers were killed: CPL Gary L. Elia, PFC John E. Esten, SP4 Andy Garnica, SP4 Gene M. Kosel, PFC Leo E. Michaud, SP4 John J. Moore, PFC James W. Parham, and SP4 Robert E. Swalley. One of the wounded, SGT David J. Klippel, later died of pneumonia secondary to his injuries three days after the battle. Garnica to was posthumously promoted Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]