Daring Rescue of Jessica Lynch

Re “As Rescuers Stormed Iraqi Hospital, a Frightened Lynch at First Hid in Bed,” April 6: As I read “Jessica Lynch, we’re the United States soldiers, and we’re here to protect you and take you home,” my eyes filled with tears of joy!

As I read further of how these U.S. soldiers dug up the grave of their fellow comrades with their bare hands (no one is left behind) I felt an overwhelming sense of American pride. Let this story serve as a constant reminder to all who are antiwar and anti-Bush: We are a united nation and we will free Iraq from Saddam Hussein’s torture and butchery.

I was informed Tuesday of my 18-year-old son’s deployment to Baghdad. I support his decision to serve his country 100%. I thank God for his blessing in creating a proud U.S. Marine mom!

Ruth Parker

Whittier

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Pfc. Jessica Lynch, who has recently received more media attention than any 100 GIs killed in action, is referred to as a war hero. Did Lynch crawl out under fire and drag two comrades to safety? Did she leap in front of a captain to save him from flying shrapnel? No, heroic Lynch broke two arms, two legs and was rescued in a daring raid by soldiers at the risk of their lives. Lynch is a hero in the sense that all members of the military are heroes. She deserves utmost respect, but she’s not a Rosa Parks.

A general has said that a woman has the right to fight in the army, but adds that she can also cause irksome problems involving special toilets, bunks, showers, pregnancy, rape if captured, etc. In general terms, a woman can probably best serve our war effort by doing charitable or office work, where her bones and breasts are somewhat safer from stray bullets and hands.

George W. Feinstein

Altadena