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.

First Lieutenant Charles Arthur Barrett II, Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam. Montani Semper Liberi !

My time in C/3/8 4th Infantry Division was in 1970, three years after you effort. I was in third platoon and then third squad. I was a RTO (radio telephone operator) just like your RTO who left his remembrance, our Lt platoon leaders and RTOs always had a special bound. My anniversary is on 09JUL1970 when I was WIA/shot and we lost two Sgt. platoon leaders in the same action. We made some history that dat because those two we lost were the last to be KIA before the 3/8th was sent home in late November / early December of 1970.

DEAR LIEUTENANT BARRETT,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INFANTRY UNIT COMMANDER. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. ADVENT IS HERE, AND CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. THE NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles Arthur Barrett, II (ASN: 0-5329309), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 July 1967 First Lieutenant Barrett distinguished himself while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, conducting a search and destroy mission south of Duc Co. First Lieutenant Barrett's platoon was on a reconnaissance mission in an area thought to be used by the enemy. Several hundred meters from the company base camp his platoon made contact with the head of a North Vietnamese Army regimental column and a fire fight began. First Lieutenant Barrett quickly formed his men into a defensive perimeter as they began to return the enemy's fire. He established radio contact with artillery support and began calling in massive destruction on the heads of the enemy, skillfully adjusting the fire for maximum effectiveness. Displaying excellent tactical skill and superb judgment, he maneuvered his squads into positions from which they could better engaged the enemy, who were attempting to move around the flanks of his platoon. Undaunted by the intense fire of the numerically superiority of the enemy, he fought on, inspiring his men by his courage and leadership. When another platoon radioed that it was going to attempt to aid his platoon, First Lieutenant Barrett warned it of the nature of the situation, enabling the company to regroup and later defeat the enemy. He personally eliminated many enemy soldiers before he was mortally wounded. His gallant efforts were in large part responsible for the unit's success in the battle that day. First Lieutenant Barrett's conspicuous courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, 4th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2663 (August 23, 1967)

Action Date: July 23, 1967

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company C

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 8th Infantry Regiment

Division: 4th Infantry Division