THE WALL OF FACES

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.

Tommy and I were classmates and fellow AFROTC cadets at Auburn University. Tommy was marked even then for success. Very bright, quick to smile, friendly to everyone, rude to no one, respected by all who knew him. I knew he had gone to UPT, then F-105's, eventually to Thailand. I knew he was in a hot war, doing the heavy lifting for the rest of us. But I was shocked when I read in an alumni newsletter that he had been shot down. I just couldn't believe a guy so smart and capable, so full of life, could be gone. My wife noticed my reaction when I read the paper and asked what was wrong. I tried to tell her who he was, about the kind of man he was, but my words were ultimately insufficient. She listened quietly, then said, "He sounds like a hell of a guy."

Indeed he was.

I have thought of him from time to time over the years; at The Wall, and whenever I saw a Missing Man formation. Today, for some reason, I thought of him again. Then I found this site.

I guess this is my attempt to say to him, "Thanks. We haven't forgotten you, Tommy. We never will."

Yesterday I started thinking about Tommy. For some reason he just came to mind. I wrote my parents a note which I will attach.

I saw a few of you noted that Tommy played golf. The first time I fell in love with golf...I played with Tommy. I went on to be a college golfer...but Tommy and I went our separate ways. Somehow...we always checked on each other but never were able to hook up again. You remember great people...even if you are young.

Hi Mom and Dad

Our minds drift back……

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about Tommy Zorn…. and he moved away when I was in the 5th grade at West Side Elementary in Marietta Ga to Waycross, GA.

Below is where his F105 disappeared during Vietnam…his body has never been recovered.

I knew he was going to school at Auburn and we communicated through friends now and then…Harvey Mays and George Davidson. Some years later while I was in South Georgia on business I stopped by the Coca-Cola company in Waycross where Mr. Zorn was the manager. I asked the secretary if I could see Mr. Zorn…I told her who I was. She immediately took me in his office and I said, “I don’t know if you remember me or not”…..Mr. Zorn said, “hello Bill Brannen”…. I was floored. He was a bigger man than I remember…he stuck out his big hand …shook it and gave me a big hug. We talked for a bit and shared some fun and somber moments. I was glad I stopped by…and I know that he was.

Dad…I lost a few friends but not near as many as you. War is terrible…and we pay a price with our children….. Tommy was gone September 17, 1972….at the age of 26…..The next year my son Brady was born. He would have loved Tommy too.

Bubba

April 30, 2008

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.

Mary Frye – 1932

Tommy Zorn was always my hero. I was just a little kid who lived across the street,but the giant always had time to talk to me. He was a great golfer and flyer and encouraged me to be as well. Tommy always took the time to come over and tell my father and myself of the flying he could never get enough of. A great man and my hero is gone but never forgotten.