THE WALL OF FACES

On May 16, 1971, a New York Times article described heroin use by American troops in Vietnam had reached epidemic proportions. The piece reported that 10 to 15 percent of lower-ranking enlisted men were heroin users, and military officials working in drug‐suppression estimated that as much as a quarter of all enlisted personnel, more than 60,000 men, were hooked. They added that some field surveys reported units with more than 50 percent of the men on heroin. In Vietnam, the drug was plentiful, cheap, and 95 percent pure. Its effects could casually be achieved through smoking or snorting, as compared to the U.S., where the drug was impure, only about five percent heroin, and had to be main-lined or injected into the bloodstream to achieve a comparable high. The habit, which cost $100 a day to maintain in the U.S., cost less than $5 a day in Vietnam. SP5 Ernie R. Martinez was a Food Service Specialist assigned to C Company, 815th Engineer Battalion, 159th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. Martinez served in Vietnam during the period of American drawdown in Southeast Asia. In late 1971, the 815th Engineer Battalion focused on road improvement and construction on National Route QL-20. Towards the end of October, Martinez’ unit was billeted along QL-20, 11 kilometers (6.6 miles) northeast of Braian Mountain (Hill 1874) in Lam Dong Province, RVN. At 2:40 AM on October 30th, Martinez was found lying dead in his bunk in his unit’s billets by two other enlisted men. A subsequent autopsy found he had died from the effects of “acute narcotism.” Martinez was 26 years old. His body was transferred to the U.S. Army Mortuary at Tan Son Nhut Air Base where it was released to Graves Registration personnel. After processing, arrangements were made for its return to his family in California. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam.” New York Times (New York, NY), May 16, 1971]

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.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Dear Sp5 Ernie Martinez, Thank you for your service as a Food Service Specialist. The 49th anniversary of the start of your tour is next week. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is this weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

SP5 Ernie R Martinez is resting at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Rose Hills, CA PLOT: Garden of Prayer Lawn, SECTION: 17, LOT: 1984, GRAVE: 1