THE WALL OF FACES

SFC James Branch was an Airborne-qualified Infantry Senior Sergeant serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment (HHD), 125th Signal Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. Branch worked in communications, his unit providing the 25th Infantry Division an array of services including VHF and FM radio communications, radio teletype, communication center and message service, photographic support, and tactical telephone communications. In the fall of 1968, Branch’s tour in Vietnam was interrupted following a health crisis. He was hospitalized due to malignant hypertension brought on by severely elevated blood pressure. Requiring emergency medical attention, on October 25, 1968, he was evacuated to the U.S. Army’s 106th General Hospital at Camp Zama in Japan, then transferred the next month to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Despite the best efforts of medical staff at managing his illness, he expired February 13, 1969, at Walter Reed. Branch, 42, was a 22-year Army veteran with service in World War II, Korea, and the Dominican Republic, earning two Combat Infantry Badges. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

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.

SFC James Branch is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarksville, TN.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Without people like you our great nation wouldn't exist. We can never truly repay the debt we owe our fallen heroes. Although we never met personally, I salute your brave soul. I too am from Jamaica Queens. Rest in peace SFC. Branch, from a Coast Guard vet.