THE WALL OF FACES

Brothers In Arms

Brave Women and Men
All Brothers in arms
Called from the cities,
The fertile fields of farms

Our Grandparents,
Fathers and Mothers
Sisters and Brothers,
Sons and Daughters

Brave Women and Men
Who answered the call
Many returned home,
While others did fall

War after war
With each generation
America’s finest
Sacrificed for our Nation

Hold sacred their memory
And the freedoms they gave
Say a thankful prayer
When you visit their grave

These brave veterans
America’s own
Remembered forever
On granite, bronze and stone

2000 John Wayne Droneburg all rights reserved

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor) James Mitchell Atchison, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 12 April 1970, while serving as a Pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Captain Atchison was flying a reconnaissance mission over known enemy locations. While making several low-level passes, the craft came under intense ground fire from the dense jungle. Although he was wounded, he realized that the helicopter's controls were seriously damaged and attempted to aid the pilot to maneuver the craft. Captain Atchison quickly briefed the crew on how to prepare for the crash. As a result of his actions, four men were saved and soon evacuated. Captain Achison's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/53935

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 never truly die....

I didn't know you very long. And it has been so long ago. But I remember you frequently now and at random times. Brief memory snap shots of you in Morgantown. You were so proud of the contribution to the Army you planned to make. We were proud of you. We still are. And one too vivid memory of your wife visiting friends and brothers following your death. I sincerely thank you and thank her for the sacrifice you both made.

DEAR CAPTAIN ATCHISON,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN ARMY UTILITY & LIGHT CARGO SINGLE ROTOR HELICOPTER PILOT. REST IN PEACE.