Regarding Mr. Jon Mennealy’s letter to the editor (Aug. 15), wherein he writes about Brent Dube saving his friend, Nick Beauchene, from drowning in the quarry waters in Hallowell.

This was, in all instances, an act of heroism. Brent was a good swimmer, conditions were ideal and his friend was brought to the surface and his life was saved.

My reason for writing this letter is that I take exception to Mr. Mennealy’s statement: “My father was a veteran of World War II. He served in the Navy in the South Atlantic on an oiler. He may have done a very important job in the war effort, but I do not consider him a hero.”

I served on a supply ship during World War II carrying tanks, planes, guns, ammunition, trucks and other types of war material to the fighting men of our nation all over the globe.

To be in a slow moving convoy with speeding escorts crossing in front or charging between the ships constantly scanning for sight or sonar contact with submarines is at most, hair raising. Or sailing alone mile after mile with no escort – awful.

I saw a tanker exploding one night, beautiful and starkly horrifying at the same time. How many of these men were heroes trying to save themselves or their friends? Mennealy’s dad was lucky he was spared these terrible events. He was a hero.

Robert Kerr, Norway

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