Excerpts From Letters on Behalf of My Lai Hero

Excerpts from letters written to government officials on behalf of Hugh Thompson, who received the Soldier’s Medal Friday for saving Vietnamese civilians during the My Lai massacre in 1968:

“In March 1968 the infamous massacre occurred at My Lai, Vietnam. Out of that horrible tragedy . . . which Vietnam veterans continue to be associated with, a hero emerged.

“To me personally, My Lai has come to symbolize all that was wrong and evil in Vietnam. Thompson’s actions should symbolize all that was heroic and good in Vietnam.

“I cannot understand why there is a continuing delay in this award. I hope that it is not tied to a belief . . . that any actions that would bring renewed interest in the Vietnam War should be avoided . . . it is time our country publicly praise this man for his courageous action.”

--Earle Kennett of North Potomac, Md.

****

“As a retired officer who served in Vietnam as a unit commander, I can understand the stigmatism that will always remain with this incident. However, this is one case that merits public recognition.”

--Paul St. Laurent, retired Army lieutenant colonel from Portsmouth, R.I.

****

“I am a Vietnam era Army veteran and lost many friends in that war. I also had to put up with a great deal of abuse from other faculty members over that war, the military in general and particularly My Lai . . .

“I sincerely hope you can assist in assuring that this long overdue honor for Mr. Thompson is finally and formally presented to him. I can think of no more appropriate action coupled with the recent diplomatic recognition afforded Vietnam for healing and closure of this difficult period for our country.”

--Daryl Blanchard, professor emeritus at the University of Toledo