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 truly die....

Staff Sergeant Victor Leroy Austin, Served with C Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Helicopter OH-6A 67-16278

Information on U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A tail number 67-16278
The Army purchased this helicopter 0868
Total flight hours at this point: 00000239
Date: 12/29/1968
Incident number: 68122929.KIA
Unit: C/1/9 CAV
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was LOSS TO INVENTORY
This was a Recon mission for Unarmed Recon
Unknown this helicopter was Unknown at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: XT599882
Count of hits was not possible because the helicopter burned or exploded.
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 03 DOI . .
The helicopter Crashed. Aircraft Destroyed.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Burned
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: OPERA, LNOF, 80529, CASRP, CRAFX (Operations Report. Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Crash Facts Message. Casualty Report. )
Summary: While on an armed recon at tree top level and 40 knots, the helicopter blew up and crashed.
Loss to Inventory

Crew Members:
P 1LT KINGMAN BARRY DEAN KIA
OB SSG AUSTIN VICTOR LEROY KIA
CE PFC ROBERTS RONALD EUGENE KIA


War Story:
I was the pilot in command of this aircraft's wingman on the day of the incident. The OH6 was on an armed reconnaissance mission flying at tree top level at approximately 40 kits. The aircraft blew up and crashed. I was approximately 600 ft above the OH6 looking straight at the aircraft at the time. To this day, I still have no idea what happened to cause the aircraft to blow up; however, we were in a very hostile location. I went down to check for survivors but saw none and received no enemy fire that I know of. I was flying an AH1G Cobra and it was difficult to hear enemy fire unless it was very close, so I could have been taking fire and not known it. If I can be of further assistance please let me know. There were three brave soldiers that died that day. From: Bill Rice

DEAR STAFF SERGEANT AUSTIN,
THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ARMOR RECONNAISSANCE SPECIALIST WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S BROTHER. TODAY IS HIS 46TH ANNIVERSARY. GREET HIM IN HEAVEN. YOU DIED ON ST. JOSEPH - PATRON OF A HAPPY DEATH. WE ARE CELEBRATING COLUMBUS DAY, AND THE DISCOVERY THAT LED TO US BEING IN AMERICA. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING AMERICA. REST IN PEACE.

We sat together in many Kalamazoo Central high school classes since your last name started with an A and mine with a B. You were always very kind & polite. I was saddened to hear of your death in Vietnam. I have visited the Vietnam Wall in Washington and looked up your name on it. What a solemn sad moment that was. Thank you for your brave service and your ultimate sacrifice, you are not forgotten. I have thought of you many times in my lifetime.