THE WALL OF FACES

Bill was a USNA 1959 Classmate who was killed in Viet Nam in the service of our country. He is remembered in Memorial Hall at the U S Naval Academy with other 1959 Classmates killed while serving our country. We are including a picture of Bill from the 1959 USNA Lucky Bag. Bill is also remembered on the "Killed in Action" Memorial below the "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP" Flag in Memorial Hall. We will be honoring Bill at our 50th Reunion. God Bless you Bill.

We spent 4 years with Bill at the Naval Academy and are proud of his accomplishments. We honor his service to our country.

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

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you William Lennington Brown, for your courageous and valiant service, years of faithfully contributing, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, and your death was not in vain!

Again, thank you Lieutenant Brown, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

I first met Bill Brown when I reported aboard my first ship, the Destroyer, USS Braine (DD-630), homeported in San Diego. I was assigned as Gunnery Officer, Bill was the Weapons Department Head. The following are just a few snippets of remberance of my too short time with my friend. Bill was a very concientious, but fun loving young officer, and quickly pulled me under his wing. He was a great mentor and coach, and much of my love for the Navy and its traditions were as a result of Bill's attitude and instruction. In addition to being my boss, Bill also soon became a good friend. We spent much of our free time at the beach or at the Snake Ranch that a bunch of us rented in Mission Beach. Bill was very religious and tempted me with pizza if I would go to evening services with him, which I did on occasion. At some point Bill picked up the nickname "Squirrels"; where this came from, I have no idea.
I visit the Wall often, even though I am now retired and living in Pennsylvania. And I always shed a tear for Bill and all those other wonderful warriors who are memorialized there. On this Memorial Day 2002, I say a prayer for you, my friend and shipmate. May you and all the others rest peacefully in God's good grace: your friend, Jack.