THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Michael was a neighbor in Calhoun; 9 years older than me. He treated me like a younger brother. I'll never forget-he came home from Vietnam for Christmas and told me I would never see him again. He returned to Vietnam with full knowledge of the great dangers of being a helicopter gunner. His brother was severely wounded in Vietnam. Obviously, great sacrifice from the King family. He will always be missed.

Specialist Four Michael Eli King was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as Flight Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice and Helicopter Crewman. He was assigned to C CO, 158TH ASLT HELO BN, 101ST AVN GROUP, 101ST ABN DIV.
See https://army.togetherweserved.com/

Dear Sp4 Michael King, Thank you for your service as a Flight Qualified Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice. The 29th anniversary of your identification is soon. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is almost Christmas. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Specialist Four Michael Eli King, Served with Company C, 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 101st Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Division.