DOC LAPORTE

I think Karen Tumulty’s article (“The Legend of Doc Laporte,” April 14) about my cousin, Michael Laporte, requires some comment.

Tumulty relies far too much on the befogged memories of embittered Vietnam veterans along with “disappeared” intelligence reports. Unsubstantial “sightings” of Mike do not add a note of veracity to the turncoat theory.

One charge leveled against Mike is that he liked the Vietnamese people. Apparently Mike was not alone in this affection, judging from the countless number of Amerasian children left behind after the war.

Tumulty neglected to employ the crystal ball in her quest for journalistic truth. Tumulty’s account could not be less creditable if she claimed Mike had been abducted by a UFO and transported to Hanoi for debriefing.

Michael Laporte’s name is inscribed on the Wall because he died serving his country like so many other brave Americans. Flights of fancy like “The Legend of Doc Laporte” are best left to reporters trained in the Kitty Kelley school of journalism.

JOHN WELSH

Pomona