THE WALL OF FACES

Although Ben and I were classmates in the 55th Company in Officer Candidate School, I did not get to know him until we were both assigned as advisor to sister Infantry Battalions in the 15th Regiment of the 9th ARVN Division. We were located in Sadec, in the Delta (IV Corps). I remember Ben as very serious but with a good sense of humor. He was older than I (hell everyone was older than I was, as I had graduated from OCS at the ripe age of 19). He was a good officer and a good friend.

Ben was killed on September 26, 1968, a week and one day after we celebrated my 21st birthday in the club (it was mixed officers and EM) at the Army compound in Sadec. We had had a great time with much laughter and camaraderie. On the day he was killed each of our units had engaged the enemy (in other words, we were ambushed). At that time I was the battalion’s senior advisor and was on the radio trying to get gunships and a medivac and generally monitoring the command net. It seemed like I had just talked with Ben (via radio) when it came on the radio that an American had been killed. I did not immediately know it was Ben who had been killed, but when I found out I was in total disbelief. I then became angry and later saddened. I recall a memorial service at the Army compound for Ben. Afterwards, I suspect I got drunk, but I don’t really remember.

A number of years after I got out of the Army I wanted to contact Ben’s parents and tell them how much I liked Ben and what he had meant to me and that he was a great officer and a good friend. But I never had the courage to contact them. I felt inadequate and guilty. Inadequate in that I thought there was nothing I could say which would be of help to his parents and guilty in that Ben died and I did not.

I often think of Ben, sometimes with sadness, but mostly with great fondness. Our OCS Company had its first reunion since our graduation and we had a special table for Ben and our other classmates who were killed in Vietnam. Ben was well liked and a respected classmate. He will always be in our memories. Goodbye my friend.

Bennie - We finally did it after 38 years. Last weekend, June 17 -19, 2005 in Reno, NV , 34 of us got together for our first 55th Co OCS reunion. You were remembered and honored.

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. 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 hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

Benjamin is buried at San Francisco Nat Cem.

I saw you the day you left Oakland with your new car and girlfriend. You were both laughing so you didnt see me across the street. I yelled and waved. I will always see your mother at the funeral I will always miss you I will always see you laughing. Love Gary