Davis, Johnnie Walter, SP 5

Casualty Occurrence:  This soldier was killed by multiple fragmentation wounds during a mortar/rocket attack in Hua Nghia Province.

Sp5 Johnnie Walter Davis, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Cameron, he later became a native of Robeson County, NC. Specialist Five Johnnie Walter Davis was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SP5 Davis served our country until May 9th, 1968 in Hua Nghia, South Vietnam. He was 22 years old and was married. Johnnie died from artillery fire. His body was recovered. SP5 Davis is on panel 57E, line 019 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 3 years.

Sp5 Johnnie Walter Davis, 22, of route 1, Lumber Bridge, was killed in action in Vietnam May 9. Surviving are his wife; Mrs Renete Schmidt Davis, formerly of Germany; his father, Walter Davis,; three sisters, Mrs Thomas Worrell and Mrs Franklin Worrell, both of Lumber Bridge, Mrs Oscar Emery of Ft Lee, Va; four brothers, Larry Davis of Lumber Bridge and Edward Davis of St Pauls. He was a student at St Paul's High School prior to enlistment into the US Army in 1964 and had been in Vietnam since February. Funeral Services are being conducted today at 3pm at the St Paul's Church of God by the Reverend J.C. Souther and the Reverend Williams of Fort Bragg. Burial will be in the Great Marsh Church Cemetery with full military Honors.

He is the Son of Mr Walter Leslie Davis and Mrs Virginia Dare Lane. He was the husband of Mrs Renate H Davis, Route #1, Lumber Bridge, Cameron, North Carolina. He served with Charlie Troop, 3rd Battalion, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, "Tropic Lightning", USARV. He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

“REFLECTIONS FROM THE MOVING WALL". I am a monument to a black period in this country’s history. I am the Vietnam wall, composed of two angled granite walls, inscribed with the names of Fifty Eight Thousand, Two Hundred Eighty One American men and women who died in hell (that was Vietnam). Many people come to see me. Strangely they come mostly in silence-old people, young people, children, mothers, fathers, widows and veterans. All for reasons of their own. They bring gifts, pictures, letters, flowers, poems and cigarettes. The letters speak of grief and loneliness and regret. They ask forgiveness. They are an out-pouring of pain. The people softly touch names on my face. They water my grass with tears. Then they leave in silence and I hope in peace. For I am more than two stone walls. I am a thank you from a nation that forgot. I am a long past due apology. I am healing for wounds too long left untended. I am a tribute paid to fallen warriors. I AM THE VIETNAM WALL. "America has forgotten the wars. Will she remember her warriors"? You may be gone, BUT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. Friday, November 05, 2004, Manuel Pino Jr.

POSTED ON 9.2.2004, POSTED BY: CHRIS SPENCER. NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER. 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.