THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

I don't think there's a worse feeling than knowing your nation is propped up by those who give their lives to fight for our values. Nothing is more terrifying than being faced with death, especially at 23. It wasn't even a month before he was taken from this world, and I can't imagine a more painful way to go than explosives. All you can do is hope he's in a better place, and carry on knowing our world is better thanks to his service.

On February 9, 1969, 2nd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, under the command of 1LT Howard McKinney, was providing security for engineers sweeping for mines along Highway 6A north of Trang Bang in Hau Nghia Province, RVN. Approximately 100 yards south of a little bridge and an old Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) compound they called the French Fort, the element was ambushed by an unknown-size enemy force firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The Americans returned fire with unit weapons and received support from helicopter gunships and artillery. During the opening barrage, infantryman PFC Russell B. Adams was killed, and two others were wounded. McKinney had an AK-47 round nick his knee; nevertheless, he directed the platoon’s fire against the enemy. When one flank was threatened, McKinney crawled across the open road, exposing himself to the enemy’s fire to direct the threatened element. He crawled to the forward most position of the platoon where wounded men were lying and administered lifesaving first aid and personally assisted them to covered positions. McKinney’s actions saved several lives and secured the defeat of the insurgent force. He was awarded the Silver Star medal for heroism. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, 12thinfantry2ndbattalion.com, and McKinney Silver Star citation]

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 never die...