THE WALL OF FACES

I believe I have the last photgraph made of BG Tallman. Three officers and I, a young enlisted soldier, initially a draftee, were awarded Bronze Stars by the general. The four of us had been involved in targeting B52 strikes in the vicinity of An Loc. An Army photographer recorded the event. BG Tallman and three others were killed shortly afterward by NVA artillery. I attended a memorial service for the four men. MG Hollingsworth, previously the Third Regional Assistance Command(TRAC)commander, had flown back to Vietnam for the occasion. He gave the eulogy. I recall he said something to the effect that the highest calling of a democracy is the profession of arms. There wasn't a dry eye in the chapel where the service was being conducted. Hard, seasoned NCOs cried like babies. I think that's when I first made a conscious decision to make the Army a career. I wanted to be part of that profession of arms that MG Hollingsworth so eloquently espoused.

The Corps! Bareheaded, salute it! With eyes up, thanking our God, that we of the Corps are treading, where they of the Corps have trod! They are here, in ghostly assemblage! The MEN of the Corps long dead! And our hearts are standing ATTENTION! While we wait for their passing tread! We sons of today, we salute you! You sons of an earlier day! We follow, close order, behind you! Where you had pointed the way! The Long Gray Line of us stretches, through the years of a century told! And the last man feels to his marrow, the grip of your far-off hold! Grip hands with us, now though we see not! Grip hands with us, strengthen our hearts, as the Long Line stiffens and straightens, with the thrill that your presence imparts! Grip hands, though it be from the shadows! While we swear as you did of yore! Or living or dying to honor THE CORPS!! AND THE CORPS!! AND THE CORPS!! We salute this fine Army officer, whose devotion to DUTY...HONOR...and COUNTRY!!!!!!..will NEVER...I say again, will NEVER be extinguished from our minds!!!!!!!!!

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine. Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.