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 sun 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.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Private First Class Eric B. Barrow Jr., Served with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Operation Colorado was a U.S. Marine Corps and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) search and destroy operation that took place in the Hiep Duc District of Quang Tin Province, RVN, lasting from August 6–22, 1966. At approximately 2:15 AM on August 12th, the 2/5 Marines set up a Battalion perimeter and helicopter fuel area about one-mile west of Tam Ky, when they started receiving 8 to 12 rounds of enemy 81mm mortar fire, an unknown number of 57mm Recoilless rifle rounds, and approximately 200 rounds of small arms fire. The enemy fire was estimated to be coming from the north. Four Marines were killed in the attack and another 21 wounded. Within five minutes, a reaction team force of two platoons with tanks extended the perimeter and returned fire. The enemy withdrew, and no further contact was made. At 6:00 AM, patrols from Companies G & H, 2/5, commenced a sweep with tanks of the area to the north of Tam Ky in search of enemy forces. During the seven-hour sweep, spent Recoilless rifle round casings and mortar base plates were discovered. Several Vietnamese civilians were detained for questioning about the mortar attack. The four lost Marines were GSGT Donald Constande, CPL Joseph B. Crowder, LCPL Ronald E. Frizzell, and SSGT John D. Wyszomirski. PFC Eric B. Barrow Jr. was critically injured in the attack after suffering fragmentation wounds to the back abdomen and chest. He died aboard the Navy hospital ship USS Repose on August 19, 1966. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, 2/5 Marines Command Chronology for August 1966, and wikipedia.org]

DEAR PFC BARROW,
I HOPE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOU WILL PUT YOUR PHOTO HERE BECAUSE THIS WALL OF FACES NEEDS YOUR FACE, THANKS FOR BEING A MORTARMAN. SEMPER FI. 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.

Dear PFC Eric B Barrow Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter