THE WALL OF FACES

Great sadness fills our hearts today
As pipes and drums, in slow march play.
A comrade’s fallen by the way,
And now we say goodbye.

This hero to the very end
Was more than just a casual friend,
Who would a stranger’s life defend,
And now we say goodbye

But we shall cherish, all our days,
The character this life portrayed
With sacrifice so freely made,
And now we say goodbye.

The hand salute, o’er Stars and Stripes,
And distant skirl of highland pipes,
Bid last farewell with hero’s rights,
And now we say goodbye.

While here on Earth, you gave your best.
Now in the Master’s arms you rest.
T’is by your memory we are blessed.
And now we say goodbye.

Dear Lt David Yates, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

David was my neighbor , I was so young, he just eight years my senior! Before he left . He took my brother and me out for a ride . I don’t remember much, until this we didn’t really know each other ! He ask is there anything that you really want ? I remember replying a boat , if I only had a boat ! Dave replayed, when I get home I’ll get you a boat ! One day after my fourteenth birthday,Dave lost his life ! Shortly after that I got my first boat ! I have not been without one since ! Thank you David ! I’ll be 66 in July ! Dave would have been 74 ! I wish that I had known him better ! I feel like he is always in the boat with me ! Rest In Peace David!

David and I graduated together at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Rest in Peace my friend.

David Earl Yates
Date of birth: April 28, 1947
Date of death: July 13, 1969
Home of record: Chesapeake Virginia
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Infantry) David Earl Yates, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

Action Date: Vietnam War

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company B

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Regiment

Division: Americal Division