A letter from a reader about An insult to servicemen

August 10, 2006

I am shocked by a Notebook story in the June 7 PAW. The North Korean trip sponsored by the Alumni Association is totally reprehensible.

It was my privilege to serve with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea in 1950 and 1951. I traveled as far north as the Yalu River on the Chinese border and as far south as Pusan. In my travels I encountered the workings of Kim Il Sung. No more brutal dictator existed in the 20th century.

In my travels I left many friends, some killed in action and some still missing in action. As those who choose to take this journey to North Korea and bow your heads to the statue Kim Il Sung, look down with shame – you may see the faces of my fallen and missing comrades. They sacrificed their lives for you.

I feel certain that Leslie J. Rowley has received no critical reaction to the trip, for this was the first time many of us have heard of this.  Have we sunk so low that we will do anything for a dollar?

Far better the money spent on this trip be sent to the children’s and orphans fund of our servicemen. Rather you should go to the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C., and bow your head in thanks.

Alumni Council, can you explain this tremendous insult to our fallen servicemen and look their families, friends, and comrades in the face?

E.P. WENZ ’47

Mission, Texas

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