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....

On the remembrance of your 78th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Doc.

Photo from Stars and Stripes of the medical clinic located in Ca Lu on Highay 9 between the Rockpile and Khe Sanh.

JJ was Senior Corpsman of Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in May of 1967. When it came time for my R&R to Japan on May 10th I did not have a khaki uniform which was required to be worn, so he lent me his. I returned from R&R on the 16th and was due to be back with 3/3 in Dong Ha on the 17th. Wanting to remain in Da Nang for another day I contacted the 3/3 Battalion Aid Station and JJ approved my extra day. That night Dong Ha experienced heavy incoming rockets and the 3/3 compound was took several hits. One of the rockets hit in a trench that the Corpsmen from the BAS were sheltering killing JJ and two others and wounding ten others. If JJ had not granted me permission to stay in Da Nang I would have been next to him in that trench.
At the time of his death, Lima Company in Ca Lu was establishing a medical clinic for the local people, which was being built by the Montagnards. When it was completed in June, we named it the Ayd Station for JJ.
Semper Fi.

Petty Officer Second Class Jacque Joseph Ayd, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.