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.

Dear Captain Henry Kolakowski, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. 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.

I was Capt. Ski’s radioman in Lima Company. He was the finest officer that I ever served under. He was taken from his family and his Corp much to soon. I am so sorry Skipper. Semper Fi

At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We remember him.

Semper fi,

On June 15, 1968 during Operation Marmeluke Thrust in Quang Nam Province, RVN, Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. As the company prepared to evacuate its wounded, a friendly artillery round impacted nearby, killing the company commander CPT Henry Kolakowski Jr., platoon commander 2LT William G. Ross, company gunnery sergeant GSGT William F. Gunset, and machine gunner PFC Gary C. Seymour. Although seriously wounded by fragments from the same errant round, 1LT Joseph T. Campbell realized that he was his unit's only remaining officer and refused medical aid in order to assume command of the company. Despite his weakened condition due to the loss of blood, he ensured that a landing zone was secured and selflessly directed the evacuation of the other casualties. When the medical evacuation helicopter arrived and immediately came under intense enemy ground fire, 1LT Campbell fearlessly moved among his men to direct suppressive fire on the hostile positions, enabling the helicopter to extract the casualties. Ignoring his weakened condition, he directed a second helicopter into the zone to complete the emergency medical evacuation. He subsequently succumbed to his wounds before he could be evacuated. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 1LT Campbell’s Navy Cross citation]