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.

First Lieutenant Jerry Claud Bennett, Served with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Fire Support Base Charlie Two (FSB C-2) was part of the defense of the Vietnamese DMZ, located about three miles southeast of Con Thien in Quang Tri Province, RVN. The base was established to protect the land route to Con Thien, and particularly the C-2 bridge immediately north of the base. At approximately 2:18 AM on September 16, 1967, a barrage of enemy small arms, 60mm and 82mm mortar, and artillery fire began to hit FSB C-2. The small arms fire reportedly emanated from the north and northwest. Enemy soldiers were observed moving into the perimeter wire carrying satchel charges. The Marines at C-2 returned fire with available weapons, including small arms and artillery defensive fire. The enemy barrage lightened up at 3:15 AM, then began anew about fifteen minutes later with the incoming artillery and mortars hitting outside the perimeter. By 3:35 AM, all incoming fire ceased. Four Marines from F Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division were killed during the attack. They included 1LT Jerry C. Bennett, PFC Robert L. Gable, PFC Frederick Hirschmann III, and 2LT William G. Jerro. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

First Lieutenant Jerry Claud Bennett, Served with Battery F, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Artillery Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

I still remember Jerry and friends staying the weekend with me and Floyd at Weatherford during college. The last time I saw Jerry.