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 never die...

LZ Jaime was located fourteen miles southeast of Katum in Tay Ninh Province, RVN, and served as the base camp for the Skytroopers of 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. At 12:45 AM on May 12, 1969, trip flares around the base began springing into the night as enemy sappers probed the perimeter. The Cavalrymen responded by opening up on the area with artillery and unit weapons. The men at Jamie knew the attack was for real when the first of some two hundred 107mm rockets and sixty 82mm mortar rounds began impacting on the base. During the deafening barrage, the position received a ground probe on three sides from the unknown-size North Vietnamese Army force employing small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades. Enemy sappers breached the perimeter with Bangalore torpedoes and briefly occupied three bunkers. One NVA-held position was destroyed by direct 105mm howitzer fire and another bunker was retaken by the counterattacking Skytroopers. The Americans at Jamie were supported by ARA (aerial rocket artillery) and a circling U.S. Air Force AC-119 Shadow gunship whose pilots used their landing lights to provide illumination over the battlefield. The action continued into the early morning, including a barrage of five 107mm rockets fired on the base at 5:20 AM, killing three 1st Field Supply Element personnel: PFC John H. Crisp, SP4 James R. Harrison, and PFC Alfred L. Lawyer. The NVA broke contact at 6:15 AM, leaving seventy-five of their dead in and around the perimeter. Ten other Americans were lost during the battle. They included SSG Charles L. Barbiere, PFC Timothy C. Donovan, PFC John W. Drane, SP4 John F. Eland, CPL Don L. Atkins, SP4 Marvin E. Park, SGT James V. Spurley, SGT William J. Burke, CPL Joseph E. Melvin, and PFC Andrew R. Sabo. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, donmooreswartales.com, delta2-7.org, ourmidland.com, and “Skytroopers repel desperate NVA attack” and “NVA Onslaught Fails At LZ.” Publications and dates unknown]

Corporal Don Larry Atkins, Served with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR CORPORAL ATKINS,
I REALLY HOPE SOMEONE WILL POST YOUR PHOTO BECAUSE A WALL OF FACES NEEDS YOUR FACE. THANKS FOR BEING A FIELD ARTILLERY BASIC. ARTILLERYMEN WILL ALWAYS HOLD MY HEART. REST IN PEACE....

Dear CPL Don Larry Atkins, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter