THE WALL OF FACES

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace WO. Engman, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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.

Warrant Officer Darwin Harold Engman, Served with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear WO Darwin Engman,
Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot with the 1st Cavalry. 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 May 6, 1966, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 63-12988) from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, was on final approach for an attempted insertion of a search & destroy team during Operation Davy Crockett in the vicinity of Thanh Son, 3 miles southwest of Tam Quan, Binh Dinh Province, RVN, when the aircraft picked up heavy enemy fire and crashed in the landing zone (LZ). During the approach to the LZ, enemy rounds entered the cockpit area, hitting aircraft commander WO1 Darwin H. Engman in the chest and right leg, fatally wounding him. The pilot, WO1 Charles R. Lawhon, survived the attack and crash and was able to exit the helicopter. He was immediately killed by hostile fire, receiving hits in the head and neck. Another crewman, gunner SP4 Stephan E. Thomas, also received fatal head and chest wounds. Two other crewmen survived. Another two passengers were also killed in the incident, members of an aero rifle platoon, SSGT John H. Rego and SGT William E. Soderstrom. After the downed aircraft was secured by elements of 1/9 Cavalry, it was determined a Viet Cong battalion was situated in a nearby village. [Taken from vhpa.org and coffeltdatabase.org]