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 Matthew P. Malczynski was a medic serving with Headquarters and A Company, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. In December 1967, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division was operating in Bien Hoa Province, RVN, conducting search and cordon, reconnaissance in force, jungle clearance, and civic medical operations. Malczynski was generally attached to a mechanized infantry unit on tracked vehicles; however, on the evening of December 26, 1967, he was with a dismounted patrol settling into a night defensive position when a booby-trap was detonated. Malczynski was standing by a tree line between the device and his men and received the brunt of the blast. He was fatally injured. Other members of the patrol sustained minor injuries. Malczynski’s body was placed in a remains pouch and taken to Graves Registration at Lai Khe Base Camp. In the days following his death, the battalion chaplain conducted a memorial service in his honor. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Army 1967 2d Bde 1st Inf Div Nov-Jan (1967-68)” at ttu.edu; also, information provided by Maurice Brunet (June 2022)]

Dear Sp4 Matthew Malczynski, Thank you for your service as a Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but it is an unusual time. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sonny and I were school mates and I named one of my sons Matthew Paul

I was his best friend and fellow medic in Vietnam. I miss him every day.