Letter to the Editor - Should do more than save money to earn a Bronze Star

Editor,

In regards to U.S. Army veteran Alfred Shryer receiving the Bronze Star for saving the Army money:

I am veteran of the Vietnam era and was one of the fortunate ones who never set foot in Vietnam.

When I read the article, I was glad to see him recognized, but inside I was angry. Shryer deserves an award but not the Bronze Star.

There is a whole wall of soldiers in Washington, D.C., who have Bronze Stars or even higher decorations. Through my years, I’ve met and worked with Vietnam vets who earned Bronze Stars. They did not get their awards for saving money. They got the award for saving lives.

Please understand, Mr. Shryer, I’m not saying you don’t deserve an award, but, in my opinion, it should not be a Bronze Star. If I were you, I would take the star, mount it on a plaque and dedicate it to all who died and all who survived in the Vietnam War.

Please accept my congratulations for your service. I mean no disrespect to you.

Terry Ward

Havre