Regarding Ms. Pinkham’s letter (May 30) concerning treatment of prisoners during World War II, perhaps she should do a little homework before she paints Americans with such a negative, broad brush.

When I was assigned to Germany, my landlord informed me he was a POW during WWII under the control of Americans. He told me, with tears in his eyes, of how well he was treated. Many WWII POWs were brought to America for internment and have fond memories of their treatment. They lived in small towns throughout America and were treated far better than our POWs in German and Japanese camps.

My point is this: There are people in the military who break the law, and when they do they are punished, if substantiated. Her story, if not apocryphal, is sad. Sad that her dad did not report alleged POW abuses up the chain of command. It is when wrongdoings are allowed to exist under a code of silence that those in command cannot take corrective action.

I did a tour at the Pentagon and can assure you situations she described would be taken seriously and investigated immediately. It is the American way to seek the truth and ensure justice is done

When will terrorist leaders take to trial those who beheaded Mr. Pearl and Mr. Berg, as well as the killers of the innocents in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania? Don’t hold your breath.

Lt. Col. (retired) Amedeo J. Lauria, Sabattus

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