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.

Lt. Colonel Roger Wendell Kvernes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander and was assigned to HHC, 227TH ASLT HELO BN, 11TH AVN GROUP, 1ST CAV DIV.
See https://army.togetherweserved.com/army

Dear LTC Roger Kvernes, Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander. Your 90th birthday just passed, happy birthday. I researched you on your 50th anniversary. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear LTC Roger Wendell Kvernes, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Crew Members included 1LT Robert E. Carmichael (KIA), WO 1 Dennis E. Debner (KIA), LTC Roger W. Kvernes (KIA), andSFC Eddie L. Spivey (KIA). Aircraft entered a gun run from approximately 1,000 feet. Wing man stated the aircraft leveled off at 300 feet then flew into the ground at high speed. The aircraft exploded, burned and was destroyed. The late night test mission involved the UH1M accident aircraft plus a UH1H and AH1G aircraft from the 235th AWC based at Can Tho. My Cobra (call sign Satan 12) provided weapons support while the UH1H was flown by our unit maintenance officer. The test flight was conducted over the U Minh forest in the southernmost portion of South Vietnam. I was not briefed on any details concerning the test, just that the aircraft had the ability to fly low level at night. I don't recall the weather being a factor for the mission. The AH1G was flying a wide orbit at 2500' while the UH1H was orbiting at a lower altitude and in radio contact with the test aircraft. The infant ship was at low level and blacked out. While orbiting I observed a splash of light from the surface and saw flames burning. After a short while the UH1H announced that the UH1M had crashed. We provided gunship support while the Huey descended to observe the crash site using his lights. He observed the wreckage and determined that it appeared to be completely destroyed. We did our best to determine our exact location and eventually returned to base. (Submitted by George Caldwell) [Taken from vhpa.org]