To the editor:

I had the privilege of serving with Dave Powell on Hill 881S during TET. Yes, I said “serving.” I feel that Dave, and of course the countless other photojournalists in Vietnam, served their county every bit as much as those of us who wore the patches and insignias. Dave in fact is a combat veteran and war hero and should be so honored by our country.

Those of us who were so fortunate to survive Khe Sanh owe Dave a debt that could never be paid nor adequately recognized. I do thank Bill Snead for his article (Story from May 26, 2002) as it in one small way does begin to pay Dave and others the honor and respect earned.

In January 1968 I was a very young 19-year-old boy from Wichita, Kansas, who found himself atop Hill 881 South. Only months earlier it was just another far-off place that news anchors reported on as I rushed out of the house to be with my high school friends. But there on the hill I was now experiencing that which Dave not only photographed but unselfishly documented for all times.

It amazes me and fills my heart that I have come to meet Dave through the Internet and the project he has contributed to with Capt. Bill Dabney. While on the hill, Dave was just some stranger with a camera around his neck who I thought was crazy to be there. But fortunately he was and now is someone that I can say I am proud to be acquainted with and is among my biggest heroes.

John Ortiz,

Former USMC,
Wichita