By Mark A. Smith
[Editor’s Note: Maj. Smith sent this letter to the Daily Breeze in response to the newspaper’s balanced story today, in his view, as a tribute on the 100th anniversary of President Nixon’s birth.]
As a returned prisoner of war(RPOW) from the South Bay, I would like to thank you for your even-handed approach to the renewed recognition being given to President Nixon.
There are many in our number of American POWS from Vietnam who credit President Nixon, not for “getting us out of Vietnam,” but for allowing us to “return with honor.”
No negotiation with Hanoi worked. They walked out of the talks in Paris. It was not fresh carrots offered by Secretary Kissinger that brought them back to sign but bombers over Hanoi and Haiphong, including B-52 Stratofortresses.
Contrary to the popular myths, they were bombed into submission. This the President did against opposition at home and abroad.
I thank him again for not listening to the same crew of quitters who are sallying forth today.
There was one reason that President Nixon was able to accomplish the things he did, and that was because he was both feared and respected abroad as no other American leader of the era was.
I have lived the majority of my life overseas. I know well where he stood with those who counted. The world may claim they want a President they “like.” But they truly wish an American President deserving of respect.
Richard Nixon had that respect in spades.
Men like Dick Nixon do not lose wars. Nor do our valiant armed forces. But America loses wars in the hearts and minds of a populace that is self-thinking, easily swayed by political baloney, with no real caring for blood already shed and national treasure expended.
As I did upon our meeting at the White House with President Nixon and in later meetings, here in California with my fellow Returned POWS, I tip a threadbare Green Beret and salute the man and leader most responsible for gaining my release from a terrible jungle prison on 12 Feb. 1973, President Richard M. Nixon.
Maj. Mark A. Smith, USA,Retired.
Returned POW(Republic of Vietnam/Cambodia) 1972-73.
Member Legion Of Valor,
Recipient, Distinguished Service Cross.
Maj. Smith may be contacted at majorzippo@yahoo.com
