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. SP4 Richard D. McFarlane was a field communications technician serving with the 596th Maintenance Company, 57th Transportation Battalion, 80th General Support Group, Army Support Command Da Nang, 1st Logistical Command, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. Assigned to Da Nang, on September 20, 1970, McFarlane was on an administrative mission to the Gia Le Base Camp, located nine kilometers (5.4 miles) southeast of the Hue citadel in Thua Thien Province, RVN, when at 7:30 AM he was found expired in a bed in the transient billets. The cause of death was initially reported as “unknown”; however, postmortem studies determined he died from bilateral pulmonary congestion and edema, common adverse events following a heroin overdose. McFarlane was 25 years old. [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.

Dear Sp4 Richard McFarlane, Thank you for your service as a Field Communication Electronics Equipment Mechanic. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but our world needs help. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SP4 Richard Dean McFarlane, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Thank you Spec. 4 McFarlane for your courage and leadership.