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.

I apologize up front, but this will exceed the 512 recommended maximum...

I have known of "R.W. Scoby" pretty much my entire life. The holster (images attached) has been in my family since the early 1970's.

My earliest memories of this holster involve my brother and I playing "cops and robbers" and "cowboys and Indians" (and anything that required holding a cap gun in a holster) with our friends.

We don't know where it came from, but unlike our toys, it was real. And VERY well made. And it had this "funny writing" on the back, like a code or something.

Like many things, time marches on and things get shuffled around and repurposed, and I personally had not seen it since the early 1980's until my brother somehow wound up with it and gave it to me for use with one of my guns.

By the way, it perfectly fit my 1911...

Since then, I too, joined the Army (late 1985 until 1989)... as an Engineer. My time was quiet, I was never in harm's way and honestly, it was not all that memorable.

However, when I reacquired the holster, I remembered the writing on the back and NOW I understood what all that was.

Fast forward another 6 months, I am cleaning my office, and moving some firearms around and there's my 1911 in SSG Scoby's holster, and it occurred to me that I should get on the internet and find out all I can about "R.W. Scoby"

I found his daughter and will be mailing the holster to her tomorrow. I cannot express how deeply sorry I am that she did not have her father to raiser her. From the entries on this page, it sounds like he was an incredible individual.

I am normally a private person and would not do something like this so publicly. But, after reading the comments here and seeing that there are more connections I thought I should post something.

To me, he was part of my play time... my brother and I had the coolest holster. I am thrilled to be returning it to the rightful owner.

Dear SSgt Richard Scoby, Thank you for your service as a Combat Engineer. Your 51st anniversary just passed, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Staff Sergeant Richard William Scoby was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as a Combat Engineer and was assigned to C CO, 31ST ENG BN, 79TH ENG GROUP, 20TH ENG BDE.
See https://army.togetherweserved.com/

Places and Co's Daddy was with on 1st tour in Nam....

COMPANIES:
HQ Co 19th Engr Bn, Quin Nhon.
C Co. 19th Engr Bn, Phu Tai.
D Co. 65th Engr Bn, Duc Pho.
C Co. 4th Engr Bn, Duc Pho.

PLACES:
Bien Hoa
Quin Nhon
Phu Tai
Vahn Cahn
Long My Valley
Pleiku
Duc Pho
LZ Odie
LZ Baldie
LZ Ross
LZ Nameless
Bonson
LZ English
Kontum
LZ Bass (Polei Kleng)
LZ BonBon
LZ MaryLou

After this, Daddy was back in Ft. Hood til I believe Oct. Of 1970 when he arrived back in Nam.

Once back in Nam, he was in C Co. 31st Engr, and was KIA near Nui ba Dehn mountain in Tay Ninh. If anyone could tell me who was with my Dad those last moments, it would be greatly appreciated. If any survived the ambush, I'd like to someday (sooner rather than later) be able to talk to them....maybe even meet them....