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.

During April 1969, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade relocated its headquarters from Camp Radcliff to LZ Uplift in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. The transition took six days to complete (April 13th-18th), and on April 19th the Battalion initiated Operation Washington Green, a security and pacification mission in the four northern districts of the province. The Battalion conducted extensive cordon and search operations with local Popular Forces to rid the populated areas of Viet Cong (VC) guerrilla forces. They also performed active night patrolling in an attempt to eliminate infiltration and movement by the VC infrastructure. On the morning of May 28, 1969, a patrol from A/1-50th walked into a VC ambush nine miles northeast of Phu My City. The enemy detonated a U.S.-type Claymore mine against the troopers, killing two and wounding four others. The lost personnel included SGT Keith B. Janke and PFC Clarence Taylor. One of the wounded, PFC Steve F. Grubb was admitted to a military hospital where he expired shortly thereafter. All three men received posthumous promotions, Grubb and Taylor to Corporal, and Janke to Staff Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “History of 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 1 April 1969 – 30 June 1969” at ichiban1.org]

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

Corporal Steve Freeman Grubb, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Cpl Steve Grubb,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.