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.

Dear Sp4 Michael Whalen, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Advent, and Christmas is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Michael Cornelius Whalen, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Whalen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 28 February 1969 as a medic during a search and clear operation near the village of Minh Khanh in Quang Ngai Province. His company came under intense hand grenade, small arms and automatic weapons attack, wounding several men. Hearing a cry for a medic and for more ammunition, he courageously left his position of relative safety with the desperately needed ammunition and crossed approximately two hundred meters of open terrain to reach the besieged element. As he exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to assist the casualties, he was wounded in the leg, but he disregarded his painful injury and continued to help the other casualties until he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Four Whalen's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4732

Specialist Four Michael Cornelius Whalen was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V) and Oak Leaf Cluster, for his exemplary courage in action. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to
B CO, 4TH BN, 3RD INFANTRY, 11TH INFANTRY BDE, AMERICAL DIV,
See http://www.virtualwall.org/dw/WhalenMC01a.htm

Mike , my dad loved you and still does more than anything ,he talks about you as if you are still here. I love you like an uncle . God rest your soul thank you for your selflessness. Rest well , you are loved. We salute you
Larry Toppi Jr