THE WALL OF FACES

We never had the chance to meet, but u are up there with your two nephews. Corey, who was killed at 25 like you and your namesake Tommy, who was also taken way to young. Uncle Tommy, please watch over my brothers. We all grew up idolizing our hero uncle who gave his life for his country. I am on the path to right the wrong that your sacrifice was in vain and that the honor you justly deserve and earned is bestowed on you. The truth will come to light. I'm calling out to your Band of Brothers to assist me in this quest. You died fighting for your country, it's only right we fight for your memory. I am proud to call myself your niece. Love Betsy

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 sun 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.

Mary Frye – 1932

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Tommy, as he was know then and myself (Billy) rode the bus to school until I graduated in 1956. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy the same year. Tom was a couple of years behind me in school. I had heard he had joined the Army. By the time of his death I was in VQ-1 Atsugi, Japan.
His death was so soon after another man from Princess Anne (John Beauchamp) the town was still in shock. Of course this was only the beginning of the nightmare of war for many small towns in the U.S. Tommy's parents and older sister have since passed on. When I pass their house (at the time in the 50's) I think of them and him. We do remember- he is not forgotten. Bill Culver

We continue to search for your photo for inclusion in the Operation Remember project.
This project of remembrance will not be complete until we recover photos of all 1046
Sons of Maryland who made the ultimate sacrifice.

If visitors here have information or a photo please contact us at [email protected]

It is our duty to remember.

Jim Gerity
Chairperson
Operation Remember
Vietnam Veterans of America
Baltimore, Chapter 451
www.vva451.org