THE WALL OF FACES

Joel………You are not forgotten…..God Bless.

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.

Dear Sp4 Joel Kamalolo, Thank you for your service as a Cannon Crewmember. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is All Saints’ Day, a day we honor you all. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

SP4 Joel K. Kamalolo was a cannon crewmember serving with A Battery, 5th Battalion, 42nd Artillery, 23rd Artillery Group. On August 25, 1971, SP4 Kamalolo was driving a military jeep with a trailer attached, conducting a resupply mission from a forward Fire Support base camp in Long Khanh Province, RVN. Traveling with him were two additional service members returning to their home base. They had only gone a few thousand meters from the Fire Support base when they were ambushed on Highway QL-20. They were out of sight from the fire support base but within ear shot. The three were attacked by several Viet Cong who approached from the left side, coming out of the high grass. One of the VC fired an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) at them which struck on the driver side below the driver seat. Kamalolo was killed instantly. The other two remaining individuals were able to get out and take cover a few meters away and wait for help from the Fire Support Base. A reaction force arrived on the scene and recovered Kamalolo’s remains. They were taken to the U.S. Army mortuary in Long Binh. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Robert Romero (March 2017)]

5thBN 42ND Artillery as comrades we get together each year to remember our fellow heroes. You will be honored at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC on September 9, 2016 by your brothers in arms who served with you in the 5th BN 42ND FA- we have never forgotten. REST IN PEACE.