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.

On March 2, 1968, Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry, was searching for a weapons cache near Hoc Mon, six miles north of Saigon, RVN. The hidden weapons had been reported by a captured North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldier; however, a sweep of the area failed to yield any weapons or ordinance. The armored unit did make several contacts with the NVA, including an ambush where their lead tank was attacked and disabled. The following day, the unit got on line to sweep the ambush area and rescue the tank crew. Only the Tank Commander was still alive, his driver killed, and two crewmen taken prisoner. C Troop took heavy fire during the sweep and called in air strikes on the enemy positions. They withdrew a safe distance, entering an area covered with brush, bamboo, and small hooches. The NVA opened up again, firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). An RPG hit the front shield of the .50 caliber machine gun on a M113 armored cavalry assault vehicle (ACAV) manned by Track Commander SP4 Eddie L. Pleasant. The round burned through the shield and killed Pleasant. It then exploded, killing PFC Dan E. Charles. Shrapnel wounded the driver and another crewman. The driver went into shock immediately. A medic ran to the disabled track, jumped on the hatch behind the driver, pulled him out of his seat, and laid him across the hatch. The medic then dropped into his seat and backed the track up. He moved it out of harm's way, about 30-40 yards, then stopped to bandage the driver and start an IV on him. A medivac was called, and the two wounded and two dead were removed from the field. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Oliver Jones (April 2011) at ctrp-3d-4thcav.com]

Dear PFC Dan Charles,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thank you PFC Charles for your courage in dangerous times, in a far and dangerous place.

Dear PFC Dan Eugene Charles, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter