THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

SP4 Jerry D. Pierce was a Grader Operator serving with the 584th Engineer Company (Light Equipment), 20th Engineer Battalion. In the autumn of 1968, the 584th Engineer Company was located at Wooly Bully Quarry in Pleiku Province, RVN, with the mission of upgrading and paving National Highway QL-19W. The quarry operations of the 584th involved drilling, blasting, and crushing rock to produce aggregate for construction projects. Throughout October, the 584th Engineer Company was involved in the setting up of a new quarry and crusher site in Kontum City in Kontum Province. On October 9, 1968, Pierce reportedly drowned while bathing in a sand pit on a river west of Kontum City. His remains were recovered and taken to the 210th General Dispensary where he was declared dead by medical staff. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Sp4 Jerry Pierce, Thank you for your service as a Grader Operator. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 46th anniversary of the last battle of the war. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Classmate. Good friend

We graduated together from star spencer. He was a good friend and a great guy. I’m so sorry we lost him at such a early age for a worthless war !!!