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.

Private First Class Ronald Carl Forsbach, Served with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

At Christmas time I remember our last Christmas before Vietnam. Mama and Daddy have gone to heaven 20 years ago, as mother took her last breath I was telling her to go to light because you would be there and she actually left this world smiling. We as a group started the Waco Citizens for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Took like 20 years and drained my heart and soul. To all that made it home and shared the pain, we as a family told them it was OK to survive and we loved them and God was not through with them yet. Took years to build and honor our Waco's Unforgotten, but it was a total family of Gold Star family members who got it done. You have a great nephew who bears the name of Carl Roman who carries your name and serves the USA as proudly as you did. I feel like too many of our family is dancing in heaven with you and it is awesome that you get to meet them all. I will always remember you as our hero but so many others on that wall who are also are MY Hero's. Soon we will all meet. again. My greatest accomplishment here on this earth is to make sure the next generation will not forget Waco's Unforgotten. Rest In Peace my big brother I will love and honor you and others who made the ultimate sacrifice. Brenda

Ronnie and I were in B company 2/18 1ST infantry Division. We served together from may until June 24 1966. He was a good soldier and a great friend. We went through hell together. our squad leader was Sgt jack Johnson who is also on the wall next to Ronnie's name. Sgt Johnson got several soldiers killed including Ronnie due to his incompetence . on June 23 1966 Johnson volunteered for ambush and took us out through a V C village and set us up under a small hut with a light on a pole above it. we all thought we were going to die. I complained to Johnson and he threatened to have me arrested. That nit the VC were moving in on us in the rain but when the rain stopped they backed out.
The next day we went out on a sweep. the three of us left alive in the squad argued I wanted to turn Johnson in but I had turned in another incompetent Sgt and been threatened with arrest. I was also made point man and listening post for weeks. Forsbach and Saunders did not want me to go to Longbin jail. I said nothing. I got hurt the next day and was send to hospital. Johnson took squad with guys from artilary unit out to same hut with the light. They were over run Johnson was killed with Ronnie and a replacement. They gave Johnson the Bronze Star. Why? Ronnie and I exchanged dog tags promised to tell what was really happening. Took Ronnie's dog tag to the wall and left it by his name with a letter. Found Ronnie's family in 1988 and visited them. told them what happened. still miss my friend but life sucks

Dear PFC Ronald Forsbach,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Your 72nd birthday just passed, happy birthday. 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.