THE WALL OF FACES

I had known Joe since eighth grade; he was in 11th. He was on his first tour in Vietnam during my senior year, ‘64-‘65. On Dec. 18, 1965, I saw him at a truck stop where we used to go to late at night after partying. Told me he was going back to ‘Nam. I told him I was leaving for the Army in the next month, and we wished each other good luck. Joe was a good guy. I think of him every Feb.18th. RIP, Joe

You are my Daddy’s first cousin and he still tears up thinking about you. Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice. It’s an honor to say I am your family.

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.

Specialist Four Joseph T Benton was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his exemplary courage in combat. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to C Co, 1st Bn, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Div.
See www.virtualwall.org/db/BentonJT01a.htm

Specialist Four Joseph Tatem Benton, Served with the 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.