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 Sgt Charles Moake, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. Your 51st anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Election Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

After 48 years, I still remember listening to Ed talk about his family the night before he died. Just can't shake the feeling he had a premonition. Some day I will ask him.

SGT Charles E. Moake Jr. was an indirect fire infantryman assigned to E Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He served as a forward observer with his unit and had an 18 year-old RTO (radioman) attached to him. E Company was tasked with continuous search and destroy missions whose objective was to initiate contact with enemy forces operating in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. This resulted in one- to two-week missions in the field, following up on intelligence reports of enemy movement in their operational area. On November 20, 1969, E Company targeted a rocky hill northwest of Van Canh Air Field. The airfield had continuously been the on the receiving end of Viet Cong mortar fire and intelligence reports suggested that the ridge top might be the source. Three platoons were helicoptered in near the hill a few days before, and each approached it from a different direction. However, a mix-up on November 19th resulted in an exchange of friendly fire between two of the platoons, negating any element of surprise the Americans may have had. Nevertheless, two platoons ascended the well-used switchback trail up the hill. Near the top the enemy was waiting. The lead element unknowingly passed in front of well-concealed fortifications from which the Viet Cong attacked. They targeted the RTO’s first. In the initial barrage, SGT Moake took a round in the temple. A grizzled veteran sergeant in front of him heard a groan and turned to see Moake go down. He died instantly. The Americans very suddenly found themselves hopelessly pinned down. Artillery fire was called in, but the trajectory was unfavorable and the fire ineffective. Air support was then requested, and jets brought napalm to bear on the enemy position. This allowed the Americans to pull back. It also permitted the enemy to escape down the east side of the mountain. The following day, E Company swept the area and Moake’s body was recovered. He was carried down the hill by his fellow troopers. His young RTO, who had worked with Moake for months and withdrew with the others after the napalm strike, was inconsolable. Uninjured, he could not stop shaking and crying, and his commander was forced to send him to the rear. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by John Rowley]

Dear SGT Charles Edward Moake Jr, 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