THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

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.

I was serving with Airman Lewis with the 823rd Red Horse Squadron during the attack. I think of him often. It’s been 54 years to the day since that night. I remember you Airman Lewis. Rest In Peace. I pray for you and think of you often. You are not forgotten. Signed: Dennis Madden, Lt Col (R).

Bien Hoa Air Base was a joint operating base for the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) and U.S. Air Force. The airfield was located in southcentral Vietnam about sixteen miles from Saigon across from the Dong Nai River. At approximately 1:01 AM on May 12, 1967, Bien Hoa Air Base and the surrounding area was subjected to a Viet Cong attack by 82mm mortars, 75mm recoilless rifle rounds, and 122mm rockets. The enemy expended 203 rounds during the nine-minute attack. The base received 189 known hits with fourteen more strikes occurring off base. U.S. casualties were six killed, twenty-three hospitalized, and fifty-four treated and released. The lost U.S. personnel included four airmen: A2C Gary W. Cosgrave, A2C Horace A. Holbrook, A1C Lawrence E. Lewis, and A3C Eddie Manis; also killed were U.S. Army drivers SP5 Phillip A. Strizzi and SP4 James E. Washington from A Company, 1st Supply and Transport Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Project CHECO Report, January-June 1967]

Dear A1C Lawrence Lewis, I hope your photo is put here because this is a wall of faces and yours should be here too. Thank you for your service with the 823rd Civil Engineer Squadron. I researched you on your 81st birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Spring! It is Good Friday, and Passover. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.