THE WALL OF FACES

Bill. You were my brother, a real legend. You touched the lives of so many people. Most people don't understand how a loss sustained 53 years ago could still be painful but it is. I am so grateful for those that remember. I beg anyone who knew Bill to please reach out to me. I have wonderful memories of Bill but need to hear from others. Carl Aiken. [email protected]

On November 13, 1970, the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division was conducting a battalion-sized combat operation ten miles southwest of Camp Evans in Thua Thien Province, RVN. D Company, 2/506th, was in a landing zone (LZ) awaiting pick up by helicopter for a planned combat assault. The LZ, a previously used pick-up point on a ridge, was approximately 50 yards wide and surrounded by thick jungle. D Company had been operating in the area for a few weeks and had relatively few contacts with the enemy. After humping up to the LZ that morning, the men occupied both sides of the LZ and were in a relaxed mood. A little before 11:00 AM, an unseen enemy force fired four to six rocket-propelled grenades on the American’s position, then raked it with small arms (AK-47) fire. The company immediately returned fire and requested air support from a White Team (AH-1G attack helicopters). They reported the fire coming from the south, approximately 50 to 75 yards away. The size of the attacking force was never determined, and the assault ended after a few minutes. D Company sustained two killed and twelve wounded in the attack, most of the casualties from the small arms fire. The lost personnel were SGT William L. Aiken and SGT Donald L. Valentine. An Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Forward Observer embedded with the Americans also died after suffering a sucking-chest wound. The casualties were flown to the 85th Evacuation Hospital at Phu Bai Combat Base near Hue. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Army 1971 2-506th Inf DSJ” at ttu.edu; also, information provided by Keith Bowman (October 2021)]

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.

As long as you are remembered you will never truly die.

Sergeant William Leslie Aiken, Served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Thank you for your sacrifice and service.
R.I.P.