David Adler, check your facts.

In a Press Op/Ed by David Adler entitled, “Bethine Church: first lady of Idaho,” Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, Dr. Adler states the following: “Senator (George) McGovern lamented his reluctance to brandish in the 1972 campaign his World War II medals, a strategy that would have served him well against (Richard) Nixon, a non veteran, and might have afforded political protection from attacks for his “dovish” stance on the Viet Nam War.”

A quick check with the Naval History & Heritage Command website reveals that Richard Milhous Nixon was appointed Lieutenant (junior grade) in U.S. Naval Reserve on 15 Jun 1942. He was relieved of active duty on 10 Mar 1946 as a Lieutenant Commander. The website states as follows: “While on active duty besides the Letter of Commendation (for meritorious and efficient performance of duty as Officer in Charge of the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command), Nixon earned the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He is entitled to two engagement stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for supporting air action in the Treasury-Bougainville operations from 27 October to 15 December 1943 and for consolidation of the northern Solomons from 15 December 1943 to 22 July 1944.”

Perhaps Dr. Adler should check his facts before he attempts to defame the man who, rightly or wrongly, put an end to the Viet Nam War.

BOB LaRUE

Hauser