THE WALL OF FACES

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

I served with David at Fort Sill in 1969. I remembered when he left for flight school. I left active duty in January of 1970 and later heard that David had been killed in action, but finding this site today made it hit home 40 years after the fact. God bless you David.

CPT Ayers served with Company A, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. He was killed in action while piloting a UH-1H Helicopter that was shot down in a landing zone in Laos.

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

I knew Dave and was the co-pilot flying the rescue aircraft on that fatefull day in July 1970, Dave and I went through in-country orientation and were assigned to the same avaition company and ultimately the same mission, while I only knew him for five or so weeks I learned he was a kind compasionate person who loved his family and country and was willing to share his experience and wisdom with others.


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