THE WALL OF FACES

Lieutenant Commander Robert Stewart Graustein, Served with Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75), Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3), USS Saratoga, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

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.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Robert Stewart Graustein, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft, serving with Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VA-75), attached to the U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3), during combat operations in Southeast Asia. On 12 October 1972, Lieutenant Commander Graustein was pilot of a single aircraft that conducted a daring, night low-level seeding and reconnaissance mission deep into heavily defended enemy territory. In spite of the intense enemy surface-to-air missile threat and the unrelenting hail of intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, he skillfully piloted his aircraft to the heavily defended waterway segment, delivering his ordnance precisely as planned. Lieutenant Commander Graustein's aggressiveness and determination in the face of overwhelming enemy reaction successfully impeded the flow of urgently required war material along a vital rail line at the heart of the enemy's supply system. His superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/23517

Lt. Commander Robert Stewart Graustein was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight.
He served as a Pilot and was assigned to VA-75, CVW-3, USS SARATOGA, TF 77, 7TH FLEET
See ww.virtualwall.org/dg/GrausteinRS01a.htm

Bob, my wife, Mary, Bob's wife Duddie, and I met in 1971 while we were at the A-6 Training Squadron (VA-42) at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Bob was a graduate of the USN Test Pilot School and I had been a Production Test Pilot at North American Aviation. We bonded right away because of our varied flight experience. It drove our wives crazy when Bob and I would beat them at Bridge without knowing any of the rules. I think of you often, my friend!