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.

Operation Cochise Green was a security and pacification operation conducted by the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Binh Dịnh Province, RVN, from March 30, 1968 to January 31, 1969. During Cochise, long-range reconnaissance patrols screened the mountain and valley approaches to the coastal rice bowl region of the Bong Son Plain. The patrols were combined operations with Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces. During the late morning of July 26, 1968, B Company, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry was combat assaulted by helicopters into an area approximately fifteen miles southwest of LZ Uplift to perform a sweep. They set down in elephant grass, secured the landing zone, then moved east up an adjacent mountain where they dug in on the ridge. After resuming the patrol the following day, a grenade carried by one of the troopers accidently detonated. PFC Joseph R. Franckowiak, an infantryman from 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, B/1-50, died after sustaining blast and fragmentation wounds. Three others were injured. Franckowiak was posthumously promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and ichiban1.org]

Corporal Joseph Ralph Franckowiak, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

Dear Cpl Joseph Franckowiak,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. It was just Columbus Day, and another national holiday has arrived. 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.