Pfc. Michael Wertman, USA, KIA, Patriot

Between Christmas 1968 and April 5, 1969, Michael Wertman and I shared two things in common. We both claimed Roaring Spring as our home-of-record and we were both serving on active duty in South Vietnam.

Mike was a U.S. Army infantryman attached to the 4th Infantry Division near Plaiku in the central highland. I was a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander in Saigon, running six stations for the American Forces Radio Network.

Mike, a 1966 graduate of Central High School, did not survive the war. I did, and have lived long enough to write about his sacrifice, and put it in the context of today’s politi...