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.

Specialist Five Leon Russell Goodale Jr., Served with Company A, 554th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Sp5 Leon Goodale,
Thank you for your service as a Mason. Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of the start of your tour. 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.

On February 26, 1969, North Vietnamese Army regulars attacked Cu Chi Base Camp, Hau Nghia Province, RVN, headquarters of the American 25th Infantry Division. Defense of the base was shared by members of the 554th Engineer Battalion, which suffered ten killed in the early morning attack. SP4 Richard M. Johnson, a general construction equipment operator from D Company, 554th Engineer Battalion, was enroute to the showers at dawn when he was shot and killed by NVA infiltrators. SP5 David C. Jackson, an asphalt equipment operator, and SP5 Leon R. Goodale Jr., a mason, also from the 554th, were killed by enemy rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire when the NVA infiltrated the company area. Other members of the 554th manning bunkers died in Hotel Sector on the base when sappers attacked Bunker 66 with satchel charges. SP4 Larry C. Koski, a plumber, and SP4 John R. Tennant, an electrician, were killed, and a third man was wounded. A reaction force from C Company went to man secondary positions behind Bunkers 70-73. When its 5-ton dump truck stopped to unload 1st Platoon personnel, two rocket-propelled grenades were fired at pointblank range, killing four: PFC Jerry L. Alferink, an electrician, SP4 Van H. Pearson, a water treatment specialist, and SP4 Henry L. Quigley and SP4 Iria D. Barnett, both plumbers. Five others were seriously wounded. NVA who had deployed themselves between Bunker 69 and 70 in drainage ditch were assaulted by members of A Company. SSST Hobart E. Covington, an asphalt equipment operator, and another crossed the perimeter road to their front and fired at the enemy. The NVA returned AK-47 fire and hit SSGT Covington. A lieutenant braved enemy fire and crossed the road to come to Covington’s aid. Engineers then threw several hand grenades at the enemy position, and with covering fire, were able to evacuate Covington. He later died of his wounds. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and selfcraft.net]

Dear SP5 Leon Russell Goodale Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter