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.

I remember a picture I took of you Xmas day 1967 I lost it in a house fire and I often remember that horrible moment of the explosion and the lives of your men that you saved that day. You will never be forgotten.

It's been 57 years since we were in high school together, seems like yesterday. I think of you often and your service to our country. I know you are still thought of and missed by friends and family. Time marches on, but as long as those are alive who knew you, your courage and bravery will be remembered.

Sergeant Ronnie Lee Adams, Served with F Troop, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

SGT Ronnie L. Adams was a Scout section leader in 1st Platoon, F Troop, 17th Cavalry, an armored vehicle section of the 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On February 13, 1968, SGT Adams led his platoon's Scouts M113 ACAV’s to the banks of a river west of Highway 1 near LZ Baldy in Quang Tin Province, RVN. Adams’ instincts sensed something wasn't quite right, and he dismounted his crew and motioned for others in the unit to stay back. Adams and his driver, PFC Lester E. Smart Jr., proceeded across the river. When they reached the far bank, an enormous explosion occurred as Adams’ ACAV detonated what was believed to be a 1000 lb. mine. He and Smart were killed instantly. This cruel fate which Adams and Smart suffered spared the lives of his remaining crew. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Angus Macaulay (August 1999) at thewall-usa.com; also “Army honors local fallen soldier.” Times Record News (Wichita Falls, TX), September 8, 2007]