THE WALL OF FACES

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.

Years ago when I was a teenager, I went to a Navy air show and purchased an MIA bracelet with the name Richard Lee Spaulding. I wore this bracelet for many years, even after I learned his body had been recovered.
I have been married to a Navy Corpsman for 13 years. I have spent many of the past 13 years worried for him while he was away, I can now truly appreciate what Richard Spaulding gave for his country...
I recently visited the Vietnam Memorial in DC with my husband and children, and I told them about a stranger who I prayed for every day many years ago...
God Bless

Richard is buried at Ft Logan Nat Cem.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Richard Lee Spaulding, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Doc Spaulding, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

I'm the One Called "Doc…"


I shall not walk in your footsteps,
but I will walk by your side.
I shall not walk in your image,
I've earned my own title of pride.
We've answered the call together,
on sea and foreign land.
When the cry for help was given,
I've been there right at hand.
Whether I am on the ocean
or in the jungle wearing greens,
Giving aid to my fellow man,
be it Sailors or Marines.
So the next time you see a corpsman
and you thing of calling him "squid",
Think of the job he's doing
as those before him did.
And if you ever have to go out there
and you life is on the block,
Look at the one right next to you…
I'm the one called "Doc".


Harry D. Penny, Jr. HMC(AC)USN
Copyright 1975

"Permission to reprint granted
by the author/copyright owner".