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.

Private First Class Gerald Gene Broussard, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear PFC Broussard,
Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. It is another summer, as time continues to pass since Vietnam. It is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear PFC Gerald Gene Broussard, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

The Command Chronology of HMM - 262 (Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262) from May 10, 1969 states the following: “HHM-262 launched an eight aircraft assault lifting troops of 1/9 into LZ Erskine located at YD-162106. Small arms fire was received by one of the aircraft while in the zone during the first wave, yet no hits were taken. On the second wave, 93-8, while approaching the zone had a power loss, fell short of the zone, crashed and burned. The pilot, copilot, and one gunner received minor injuries. However, the crew chief CPL Kenneth W. Wheeler and second gunner CPL Peter Gibson, suffered fatal injuries along with three of the troops aboard the aircraft. The lift was continued without incident by the other 7 aircraft.” Information on vhpa.org lists the loss of the same two crewmen plus the following five passengers: PFC Gerald G. Broussard, PFC Roy J. Mrosewske, LCPL Paul D. Mannerow, LCPL Virgil L. Larkins, and PFC Daniel J. Giordano III. Furthermore, the website suggests that the aircraft (a CH-46D) crashed due to hostile causes. [Taken from vietnam.ttu.edu and vhpa.org]