Monday, June 12, 1972
Westy Mourns John Vann
"It is with a profound sense of personal loss that I join with Americans across the nation and around the world in mourning the death of a devoted servant of freedom, John Paul Vann, known for his personal courage, professional excellence and total commitment to his country, its allies and his fellow men. His tragic demise came while on a mission characteristic of his long career. "As one who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam (retired as an Army lieutenant colonel) before serving the last seven years with the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Vann set and maintained the highest standards of service to country and the cause of freedom. "Strong, innovative and loyal, Mr. Vann-- by personal example-- inspired countless men of the free world forces of many nations to make a full and complete pledge toward defense against tyranny and aggression in Vietnam. "He will be remembered as a man who lived up to his convictions and will be greatly missed by all who served with him."
"Westy Mourns John Vann", statement by Gen. William C. Westmoreland, published in the Pacific Stars and Stripes on Monday, June 12, 1972 and reprinted from European and Pacific Stars and Stripes, a Department of Defense publication copyright, 2002 European and Pacific Stars and Stripes.