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 July 4, 1968, two U.S. Army OH-6A helicopters from D Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, were involved in a mid-air collision six miles northeast of Lai Khe in Binh Duong Province, RVN. Five persons were killed in the accident, including D Troop’s Commanding Officer, MAJ Frederick G. Terry Jr., and a D Troop artillery liaison officer, 1LT Daniel N. Glowacki. The other lost personnel were 1LT Raymond P. Bosworth Jr., SP5 Larry E. Collier, and SP4 Dirk J. Westra. Terry's mission was to fly the Command and Control OH-6A ship (#67-16018) for the helicopters of D Troop, 1/4 Cav, which were supporting a mechanized infantry (2nd Battalion [Mechanized], 2nd Infantry). At approximately 8:10 AM, Bosworth, flying an OH-6A helicopter (#66-7854), departed Lai Khe for the same area of operations to serve as Scout Team leader. At 8:50 AM, the command vehicle of company B Company, 2nd Bn (Mech), 2nd Inf, hit a mine injuring five personnel. Terry monitored the ground units' call for a "dustoff" medical evacuation helicopter and proceeded to the area. Terry also called Bosworth on the radio and requested that he proceed to the same area with his Scout Team. Bosworth entered an area approximately three miles to the east of where the vehicle hit the mine. Meanwhile, Terry's helicopter was flying in the same general direction as Bosworth's helicopter but to the left rear and approximately fifty feet higher and descending at a greater speed than Bosworth's helicopter. When Bosworth's helicopter suddenly completed a 180-degree right turn, Terry's helicopter overtook it and they collided. Both aircraft crashed to the ground, Terry's helicopter approximately 135 feet from the other aircraft. Glowacki and Collier died on impact with Terry; Westra and Bosworth perished after their OH-6A caught fire and burned. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

It is because of young men like you, that we are free to celebrate a day like today. So on this Independence Day, I just want to thank you once again for your service and your sacrifice. You are loved. You are missed. You are remembered always.

Dear Sp5 Larry Collier,
I hope your photo is put here because this wall of faces needs yours. Thanks for your service as an Infantryman. 2017 almost gone, and it is the 6th Day of Christmas. 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.

Dear SP5 Larry E Collier, 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