THE WALL OF FACES

We honor you.
Capt A. G. BALIAN
PCF 41 SWIFT BOAT
VIETNAM MAY 22 1966.
GOD BLESS YOU.
BECAUSE OF YOUR SERVICE AND WHAT YOU DID SAVED US.

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.

Dear BM2 Raleigh Godley,
Thank you for your service as a Boatswain't Mate 2nd Class. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 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.

Between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM on May 22, 1966, while on patrol in the Rung Sat Special Zone in support of U.S. Army Operation Lexington III, U.S. Navy Swift boat PCF 41 came under fire from a heavy caliber weapon on the east bank of the Dinh Ba River. A hit was sustained in the lower half of the starboard bulkhead of the pilot house, killing the coxswain, BM2 Raleigh L. Godley, wounding the radioman, and destroying most of the equipment in the pilot house. Within seconds of the initial hit, a mine exploded adjacent to the PCF, resulting in possible bottom damage. PCF 41 returned the fire and accelerated at maximum speed. However, steering control had been lost sequential to the hit in the pilot house and the boat ran aground before control could be regained. The Viet Cong attack terminated soon after the PCF went aground. The radio had been damaged in the attack, and efforts to re-establish communications were unsuccessful. Mortar illumination shells, .50 caliber tracer ammunition, and the searchlight were all used in an unsuccessful attempt to bring assistance. At 7:37 PM, due to location of the craft in VC territory, impending darkness, lack of radio communications and an outgoing tide, PCF 41 was abandoned. Prior to abandoning, the crew jettisoned the after .50 caliber machine gun, the URC-56 radio and some of the ammunition. The life raft was then launched and the crew, armed with small arms, proceeded southeast until picked up by PCF 37 at 9:45 PM. A reaction force arrived on the scene at 3:00 AM on May 24th and removed Godley from PCF 41. The reaction force removed the forward .50 caliber machine guns, the starlight scope, and the remaining ammunition. An incendiary grenade was used in an attempt to render the mortar useless. An attempt was then made to tow the PCF from the sand bar where it had grounded, but severe bottom damage apparently suffered from the mine explosion occurring after the initial hit caused it to sink in midstream in about twenty-five feet of water. The reaction force marked the spot and then withdrew from the area. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam Monthly Historical Summary, August 1966]

I did not know you, but I'm sure we were related as 99 % of the Godleys are
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. The world will always be in your debt for your life and death. We still haven't learned that war is not the answer, but hopefully some day we will. Till then be assured I will always be thankful for you and your gift of life to keep me and my family free
Thank you
John Godley
a fellow vet.