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 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.

SP4 Edward S. Koch was a UH-1 helicopter mechanic serving with C Troop, 7th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Aviation Brigade. In 1969, C Troop was located at Vinh Long Airfield, west of Vinh Long in Vinh Long Province, RVN, to support combat operations in the IV Corps Tactical Zone, overseeing the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. On October 19, 1969, only two weeks after arriving in Vietnam, Koch was fatally injured at the airbase after he was struck by the blades of a helicopter. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Local Soldier Fatally Hurt At Vietnam Base.” Cumberland News (Cumberland, MD), October 22, 1969, courtesy of Harriet Moore, Genealogical Society of Allegany County, MD]

Taken from the Cumberland News (Cumberland, MD), October 22, 1969, courtesy of Harriet Moore, Genealogical Society of Allegany County, MD.

Dear Sp4 Edward Koch, Thank you for your service as a Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer with the 1st Cavalry.Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy New Year in heaven. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Stephen was a friend of mine growing up in Cumberland, MD. His brother Ronnie and I were best friends. Ronnie and I still talk by phone at least once a week, and visit several times a year. I asked Ronnie for this picture of Stephen for the Wall of Faces. Stephen was a helicopter Crew Chief (67N20) serving with the 1st Cav, 1st Aviation Bde, Vinh Long, RVN. I also served in Vietnam with the 1st Aviation Bde as a 67N20.