THE WALL OF FACES

Specialist Four Norman Joseph Buell, Served with Company D, 326th Medical Battalion, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, United States Army Vietnam.

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.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

I think of Norman Buell from time thru the years and often ask why did he have to die? He had so much to offer had he lived.

I have finally been drawn to God and Christ in my later years and I asked the same question, why? I had a very good friend whose father was missionary in China and he was active in the Chinese church here where I live but died of cancer just a few short years ago. Again, I asked why? I had another friend who was formerly in the navy who married and raised a family. He died of cancer not long ago too. Why? Finally, I was reunited with a member of my machinegun crew in Vietnam who had survived some really bad situations with me. We were friends for years until he just died two years ago from cancer. He was a very good person, likeable, friendly to everyone. Again I asked myself why?

I think we have to accept God's will and his plan for us. Maybe Norman fulfilled God's plan for him on Earth so he was taken as were my other three friends. I think I have found my answer.

I know that Norman lives in my heart, in my wife's heart, and the hearts of all the those I have told about his selfless devotion to duty, his dedication, and the risks he took to treat the wounded.

Dear Spec 4 Buell,
Thank yo for your service as an Airborne Qualified Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. 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.

We took drafted pledge into the army at Fort De Russy. We .were in the same
basic company at Fort Ord, Calif. at "B-4-1" I check the Viet Nam Memorial Directory and found your name 1982 There you were 5East/ line 100.
I have made contact with your family several years ago. I sent info of you
of what they may hay not had. The 101st where you were a medic and KIA
had has praise of you.....Mahalo for your medical expertise. I know you had
give um braddah "Doc"..........Hawaii is proud of you as you rest at Punch Bowl
Cemetery. I give you one shaka!!!! SFC (Ret.) Donald Dotario
"Ke Aku Aloha