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.

On the remembrance of your 71st birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

Specialist Four Iria Daniel Barnett, Served with Company C, 554th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

On February 26, 1969, elements of the North Vietnamese Army 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, who 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 their 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 a drainage ditch were assaulted by members of A Company. SSGT Hobart E. Covington, an asphalt equipment operator, and another engineer crossed the perimeter road to their front and fired at the enemy. The NVA returned AK-47 fire and hit SSGT Covington. A 554th 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 SPEC 4 BARNETT,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A ENGINEERING PLUMBER. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. THANKSGIVING DAY IS HERE, AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE..