18 Dec 2001 "Not for fame or reward, not for place or for rank, but in simple obedience to duty, as they understood it." Confederate Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery Eulogy for a Veteran 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 mornings 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. -- Royster -- From his brother, Patrick J. Kolka pat@fvtd.com

 

02 Apr 2003 I met Ed Kolka when we joined the military together and only knew him for about 3 months. We became good friends in that short period of time but after our Basic Training was over we went different ways. You can't remember everybody you meet in your military tour but Ed was never forgotten even though our friendship was brief. His kind and witty personality was one you don't forget as I'm sure every friend he made in and out of the military will remember him forever. He gave his best so we could have our freedom and for that I am very grateful. Phil Kuusisto philip@mayfair.net

 

16 Mar 2004 Ed Kolka, do you know, You are a Hero to this Nation. An example of Honor, of Military Tradition. Ed, do you know, You are a Hero to your Platoon, Who all remember your Bravery, and that you were taken from them too soon. Do you know, Ed, That you are a Hero to my Dad. Who remembers one of the finest soldiers a platoon sarge ever had. Memories of a man, who was considerate and kind. Who epitomized the phrase "Leave no Soldier Behind." Ed, do you feel the sadness of others as they see your name, With other heroes who died fighting, For Freedom, not fame. Ed, do you know, You are a hero to me. Even though when you died, I was only 3. A Soldier's hand I would never hold, A Soldier's face I would never see. But Ed, please know, You are still a hero to me. By Tammie Hicks Clark Proud Daughter of MSGT Tom Hicks, US Army (Ret) Ed Kolka's sergeant. aceofbass64@hotmail.com

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION APO San Francisco 96345 9 April 1968 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 3317 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. KOLKA, EDWARD L US56455755 SERGEANT E5 United States Army Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Awarded: Silver Star Medal Date of Action: 2 March 1968 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action against a hostile force: On this date, Sergeant Kolka was serving as a squad leader for the point element of a company size reconnaissance in force operation south of Lai Khe. While moving through a dense vegetation they discovered a large enemy base camp. Suddenly, they were subjected to intensive small arms and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Kolka unhesitatingly deployed his men and began directing devastating fire on the insurgents. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he ignored the hostile fire as he moved from position to position directing his men's fire. While moving toward a friendly position he noticed a wounded soldier lying in an exposed position. He continued to ignore the enemy rounds as he ran to his wounded comrade and dragged him to a position of safety. Returning to his squad, Sergeant Kolka discovered the heaviest fire was coming from a nearby enemy bunker. He crawled to within 20 meters of the bunker, threw two grenades inside and silenced the position. While moving toward a second bunker he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. His dauntless courage as demonstrated by his selfless sacrifice inspired his comrades who went on to rout the enemy force. Sergeant Kolka's unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President, as established by the Act of Congress, 9 July 1918, and USARV Message 16695, Dated 1 July 1966. FOR THE COMMANDER: ARCHIE R HYLE, Colonel, GS Chief of Staff OFFICIAL: A. F. CROWLEY Captain, AGC Assistant Adjutant General Transcribed 20 Dec 01 from the Letter Citation by K J Davis, CDR USN (Ret)

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