THE WALL OF FACES

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.

Landing Zone (LZ) Debbie was an Americal Division fire support base located on a hill approximately nine kilometers (5.4 miles) southeast of Duc Pho Airfield in Quang Ngia Province, RVN. Only three kilometers (1.8 miles) from the shores of the South China Sea, the base had a spectacular view of the seashore and overlooked an agricultural producing region known as “The Rice Bowl.” During the summer of 1969, infantrymen from C Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade were tasked with the security of Debbie. On the early morning of August 22nd, Debbie received an attack by an enemy force tossing hand grenades and satchel charges and firing rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s) and small arms. During the 2:00 AM attack, sappers were able to penetrate the perimeter, at least two of which were engaged and killed by the defending Americans. The enemy action caused the 81mm mortar dump to catch fire and RPG’s hit three bunkers, destroying one and damaging the other two. Four U.S. were killed in the fighting and sixteen were wounded, fourteen of which required medical evacuation. The lost personnel included (from C-4/21) infantrymen PFC Anthony B. Blair, PFC Anthony V. Mione, and PFC Eric D. Saltz; and (from C Co, 1st Bn, 82nd Arty) artilleryman PFC Bertrand R. Gagne. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Significant Events (III MAF), August 1969” at ttu.edu]

Dear PFC Eric Saltz, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Veterans’ Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Eric was a friend of my older brother Les. I was 7 years younger but I remember Eric. He was always nice to me even though I was a little bothersome kid. I recall him working at Burger Square. How sad that he never got to fulfill his life's dreams. Thankful for his service, may he be in a better place.

Tracy, sounds like I probably met you back then. I believe I know Barry and Dave.

Hey Eric, how are you? Been a while since those high school days. I can’t find the other site that l’ve left a memory. Anyway you know that. I’ll never forget the day when I learned what happened to you. Twenty years old, less than a month in country, and you were killed. Not sure what God’s plan was on that day, but you’re in a better place. See ya later buddy! For those who don’t know me my name is Tracy Reeve, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired.