15 May 2001 David Roy graduated from Holy Name High School the year before I entered. I first heard of David when I saw his obituary in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Then, when he came home to be buried, I recall some of my classmates talking about his family and his wake, who went from school, etc. I never personally knew anyone who went to Viet Nam. Although I felt sad hearing about David, I was still very much removed from it all. Later in the year, our school newsletter did an article on David. It mentioned how he stopped by to see our Headmaster, Father "D", before leaving for his tour. He told Father D, "I am going to make you proud of me." Father D's response was, "I already am." Three days ago and some thirty years later, I was walking the dog, headed home. As I waited to cross the street, I happened to glance over to look at a memorial stone that had been placed on the corner. It was for David Roy. I was just stunned. By now I was in my 40's, had been through the Army myself, and was all too aware of all that David Roy had sacrificed for us. I couldn't believe this was the same guy I had heard about so many years ago, and in such a different lifetime for me. So David Roy, this is for you. I never knew you personally, but I think about you and say a prayer for you, every time I drive or walk by your memorial. God Bless you and keep you. And thank you for giving your life for us ... Remembered by someone from the Class of '72, HNHS E-mail address is not available.

 

11 June 2002 To the person that left the memorial for David. I am deeply touched that Dave had touched someone that didn't even know him. I didn't know him well myself. Not as much as I had wanted to. Dave died when I was only nine years old and left me forever wondering "what if"? What would he be doing now? How old would his kids be? You see, Dave was a very proud person. He wanted to do "the right thing" for His country and family. By enlisting in the Marine corps, Dave figured that he was doing the right thing at that crazy time in 1968, called the Viet Nam conflict. He felt, like a lot of servicemen at that time, his contribution toward the campaign would preserve the freedoms and rights of not only us at home but toward a less privileged people in a far away land. His ultimate sacrifice, as well as the sacrifice of at least 58,000 other servicemen killed, is a constant reminder of what we as Americans stand for: Freedom! Dave was a well liked person, a good friend, a great brother. He would be impressed that his memorial on Hamilton Street touched someone that didn't even know him! I personally thank you for commemorating his memory. Dave's little brother, Brian Roy bandmroy@yahoo.com

 

19 Oct 2005 To my cousin David, thank you for always accepting me in your very short life even though I was many years younger than you. I was only 8 when you died, but you never made me feel like an outsider. We lived next door to each other growing up, and you always made sure I was a part of your life, whether that meant watching you fix your cars, playing with your toys, listening to your albums, or just hanging out together. Since I didn't have an older brother, it was great to have the comfort of knowing that you were always there for me. When I found out you were leaving to serve our country, it made me very sad. My little brain couldn't wrap around the idea of where you were going, but I knew you'd be back. When I came home from school that dreadful day in April, to have all of my family gathered around crying because you had been killed, I didn't believe it. How could it be true, when on the kitchen table was an unopened letter from you? Where were you? I just couldn't believe my cousin was gone forever. From his cousin, Linda Latique Los Angeles, California E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 30 April 1969 Bravo and Delta Companies, 1/7 Marines, were engaged in Operation Oklahoma Hills in Quang Nam Province. The 7th Marines' Operations Journal for 30 April contains two entries regarding the events involving the two companies; paraphrased, they read as follow: 301320H - At 1055H B and D Companies encountered approximately two enemy companies employing automatic weapons and mortars. 9 killed in action and 17 wounded and evacuated in the initial engagement. There are 25 known NVA dead. 302230H - Follow-up to 301055: B and D Companies continue to maintain contact with the enemy and continue the attack to the southwest along the Vu Gia River. Alpha Company was moved by AMTRAC as a reaction force and crossed the river to form a blocking position. B and D are supporting their maneuver with artillery and fixed-wing air support. Contact was sporadic but heavy until late in the day when B and D and the Battalion Command Post closed on Alpha Company. Add 43 friendly wounded and evacuated. 35 additional known NVA dead. The nine men who died in the engagement described above were B Company: HM3 Gary A. Johnson, Madison, WI (Corpsman, H&S with B/1/7) LCpl John F. Lawrence, Norfolk, VA (04/30/1969) (Silver Star) LCpl Espiridion Perez, Corpus Christi, TX (04/30/1969) Pfc Walter P. Bem, Indiana, PA (04/30/1969) (Silver Star) Pfc John P. Byrne, Sayreville, NJ (04/30/1969) Pfc Larry A. Cunningham, Washington, DC (04/30/1969) Pvt Fred T. Williams, Paterson, NJ (04/30/1969) D Company: Pfc David P. Roy, Worcester, MA (04/30/1969) Pfc Fernando S. Saldana, Los Angeles, CA (04/30/1969)

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