THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Milton D. Gruber was a tracked-vehicle mechanic serving with the 129th Main Support Company (Direct Support), 69th Maintenance Battalion, 504th Field Depot, Army Support Command Cam Ranh Bay, 1st Logistical Command, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. Based at Cam Ranh Bay, the 129th Main Support Company provided specialized services in Military Region II, including chemical, engineering, power generation, and refrigeration support. However, beginning January 31, 1968, the 129th Main Support Company (DS) departed its station on an indefinite move to a classified destination. In June 1968, that location was Quang Tri Combat Base, a U.S. Marine Corps base in Quang Tri Province (Military Region I). It is unclear what Gruber’s unit was doing at Quang Tri, most likely loaning their specialized skills to the Marine, U.S. Army, and Government of Vietnam forces operating just south of the Demilitarized Zone. On the late evening of June 3, 1968, Gruber was fatally injured in an accidental shooting at the base. Reportedly, another man’s submachine gun fired a round, the errant bullet striking Gruber. An Army volunteer, Gruber, 21, was married with a young daughter. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, US Army Depot Cam Ranh Bay, Period Ending 1 January 1968” at dtic.mil]

Specialist Four Milton Darrell Gruber, Served with the 129th Maintenance Support Company, 69th Maintenance Battalion, 54th General Support Group, United States Army Support Command (Cam Ranh Bay), 1st Logistical Command, United States Army Vietnam.

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.

SP4 Milton Gruber was a graduate of Columbus Mifflin High School. He was survived by his wife and 16-month-old daughter. He was due to return to the United States in August.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

HOOAH