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.

I was the radio operator on an Artillery forward observer team attached to Bravo company 1st Bn 4th Marines. There were 13 KIA that day including him, and 31 WIA including me. It was on Operation Granite, (Oct. 25 1967 to Nov. 6, 1967), a sweep of Hills 674 and 300 west of Hue. One of the many nameless firefights Marines in Vietnam engaged in, and for a single company, it was a heavy toll before we were pulled back and replaced by Delta Company On this Memorial Day, 2020, I remember those who died that day.
From Bravo Company, Lieutenant John Dawson, HM3 Kenny Stommes ,LCpl David Betts; Cpl Robert Carlozzi, PFC Douglas Clemmons, PFC Michael Fonseka, LCpl William Hackett, Cpl Angus Hare, Cpl Eddie James, PFC Verne Johnson, LCpl Curtis Painter, LCpl Merrick Pierce, and Cpl Thomas Uhl.
I must mention Delta's contribution, another 2 KIA and 2 WIA. Delta came forward to replace Bravo and was tasked with retrieving the nine Bravo dead that had to be left behind. PFC Michael Angerstein and Cpl Eddie James of Delta died trying and along with two others WIA. They were pulled back to try again on the 28th. (They were successful).
Edward Burke, Cpl, USMC (Ret)

Dear PFC Michael Fonseca,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. It is now fall, and as the seasons pass, it is important to remember you 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.

Private First Class Michael Jerome Fonseca, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear PFC Michael Jerome Fonseca, 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