3 Sep 2002 I served as Dick's squad leader from June of 1967 until his untimely death November 10th 1967. He was a quiet, kind and wonderful person. He was a great Marine, willing to do whatever he was asked. He was brave, courageous and beloved by all who knew him. I felt I let him down by not being there for him the day he died. I have carried the guilt of his death even until this day. I recently received a print of the painting "Reflections", a painting showing a man touching the Wall and feeling emotional pain. On the other side his friends such as Richard are touching his hand in a gesture of love, compassion and forgiveness. There are about 28-30 names that are legible. Richard G. Kohland is one of them. Dick has let me know from the other side it is okay not to feel guilty about his death. Thank you Dick. God bless him and the many others like him. 04 Nov 2003 Dick, it has been 36 years on November 10th since that fateful day when you left us at the Viem Dong crossing. Many things in many lives were changed that day ... a wife who still longs for you, a daughter who never had the chance to know you except through the feeble attempts of those of us who still live. We want to let you know we will never forget you and your family for the supreme sacrifice that was made on others' behalf. All of our lives were somehow tragically transformed into a different sphere because of our loss but we know that someday in time we will all be together in our Father's home where you have resided since the day you were taken there. We have felt loss, guilt, and dismay since November 10th 1967. We are aware you have experienced much joy and happiness of which we have no concept. That thought we hold close to our hearts and will do so until our day to leave arrives. Until then, my friend, we will continue to miss your presence and long for our reunion ... someday ... A memorial initiated by Brian "Snooks" Strasser a fellow Marine and his squad leader

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