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.

1LT Fera You will be remember by future generation of paratroopers that will be call to defend this great country of ours. Some people spend their whole life to make a difference in your case you don't have that problem. Airborne Death From Above!

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Frank Meszar's USMA 1966 classmates - and a brother Airborne-Ranger/CIB recipient - First Lieutenant John Anthony Fera, on what would’ve been his 76th birthday - 16 November 2020.

We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. Without people like you our great nation would not exist. Rest in peace 1LT. Fera, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Anthony Fera (ASN: OF-107670), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Fera distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 18 March 1968, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). At 1400 hours on the above date, the point platoon of Company D came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire, which inflicted heavy casualties upon the platoon. Seeing that the point platoon was pinned down, Lieutenant Fera led his men in a desperate assault on the enemy positions. He put his men on line, personally assumed the forward most position in the center and started the assault. Despite heavy enemy automatic weapons fire, Lieutenant Fera moved forward, throwing hand grenades and encouraging his men to do the same. The assault was successful and the enemy were driven from their positions. Lieutenant Fera then consolidated his lines and held on, despite heavy fire and attempted probes by the enemy. His assault was so effective that it allowed the lead platoon to collect its wounded and withdraw. The enemy than launched an extremely heavy 82 millimeter mortar attack on the forward area which Lieutenant Fera's men were holding. Because most of the men were new to combat, they began to pull back under the hail of enemy fire. With utter disregard for his own safety and under direct sniper fire, Lieutenant Fera moved up and down the line, encouraging his men to hold their ground. Enemy sniper fire tore the trees and ground around him and the enemy mortar rounds twice knocked him to the ground, but Lieutenant Fera continued to rally his men. While he was returning to his command post, Lieutenant Fera was hit and mortally wounded by enemy fire. Lieutenant Fera's dauntless courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.