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 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....

Private First Class Julian Martinez Alvarez, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR PFC ALVAREZ,
THANK YOU FOR BEING AN ARMY GRUNT.
REST IN PEACE.

Julian Martinez Alvarez
Date of birth: February 14, 1942
Date of death: January 20, 1967
Home of record: McAllen Texas
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Julian Martinez Alvarez (ASN: US-54717245), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Alvarez was serving as a rifleman of the Third Platoon of Company A, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, while on a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 January 1967. The unit was brought under fire by a reinforced North Vietnamese squad size force armed with automatic weapons. Private Alvarez was seriously wounded in the initial contact but he ignored the serious nature of his wounds and returned the enemy fire in an attempt to gain fire superiority. Private Alvarez continued to maneuver in order to establish a better firing position. His accurate and heavy volume of fire had the desired effect of silencing the enemy fire but he was wounded again, this time fatally. Private Alvarez's heroic action contributed greatly to the success of the company mission. Private Alvarez's outstanding aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 245 (March 11, 1967)

Action Date: January 20, 1967

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 35th Infantry Regiment

Division: 25th Infantry Division

Dear PFC Julian Martinez Alvarez, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter