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.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” once again remember one of Nick Rowe's USMA 1960 classmates - a teammate on West Point's champion 150 lb-Football Team, a brother Paratrooper and a fellow Texan - Captain Gregory Charles Clement, on what would’ve been his 82nd birthday - 9 April 2020.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” once again remember one of Nick Rowe's USMA 1960 classmates - and a brother Paratrooper - CPT Gregory Charles Clement, on what would’ve been his 80th birthday - 9 April 2018.

Gregory C. Clement , Jr.
Date of birth: 9-Apr-38
Date of death: Killed in Action
Home of record: Galveston Texas
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Distinguished Service Cross

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 act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Field Artillery) Gregory C. Clement, Jr. (ASN: 0-90723), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with the 1st Infantry Division Advisory Detachment, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Captain Clement distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 February 1967 while serving as senior advisor to a company of Vietnamese Irregular troops. In an attempt to take a well-fortified Viet Cong hamlet, Captain Clement's company was pinned down by intense hostile fire. Three men were seriously wounded in the initial barrage and, when the company withdrew, were left lying in an open field 150 meters away. Despite intense and accurate machine gun fire, Captain Clement fearlessly ran across the field, picking up one of the soldiers and carried him to safety. Turning immediately, he raced back across the ravaged area, ignoring the murderous fire hitting all around him, and brought another stricken man back. Inspired by his heroic actions, two soldiers joined him on the treacherous third trip. Although he was the focus of increasing hostile fire, Captain Clement would not be driven back. Suddenly, he was wounded by a well-concealed Viet Cong machine gun, directly in front of the man he was attempting to save. Ignoring his wounds, he took the first aid kit and crawled toward the fallen soldier. Captain Clement was still trying to reach the man when he was mortally wounded by a second burst of machine gun fire. His unimpeachable valor and profound concern for others inspired the beleaguered Vietnamese company to hold its position and rout the numerically superior enemy. Captain Clement's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1372 (March 27, 1967)

Action Date: 23-Feb-67

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: 1st Infantry Division Advisory Detachment

Division: Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

Dear Captain Gregory Clement,
Thank you for your service as a Ranger Qualified Operations & Training Staff Officer (G3,S3.) Thanks for graduating from the Point. December has begun, along with all the preparations. 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.