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.

Private First Class Ronald B. Hamblin, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Operation Greeley was a military operation initiated June 17, 1967, by the 173d Airborne Brigade under the operational control of the 4th Infantry Division. Initially, two battalions and the brigade headquarters moved to Dak To in response to an apparent North Vietnamese Army build-up in western Kontum Province indicating a possible major enemy monsoon offensive against Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) installations in this Northern Highlands province. Contact with the NVA occurred immediately, and search and destroy missions were conducted to seek out and engage enemy forces in the area. At 11:15 PM on July 20, 1967, during one of these missions, Company B, 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry was in a night defensive position when it received two rounds of friendly artillery fire. Two troopers, PFC Ronald B. Hamblin and PFC Ralph Mc Guin Stacey Jr., were killed, and six others wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Combat Operations After Action Report, Operation Greeley, period ending October 11, 1967” at dtic.mil]

Dear PFC Ronald Hamblin,
Thank you for your service as ab Airborne Qualified Unit Supply Specialist. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

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