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Dear Editor:
I’m writing in regard to of a piece in the paper about a section of state Route 7 being renamed.
First of all, years ago, that same section of Route 7 – from Wellsville to East Liverpool – was named Melvin E. Newlin Memorial Highway. Newlin received the congressional medal of honor for the action he took in Vietnam on July 4, 1967. Their position was overrun by the enemy. After the enemy wounded him severely, he turned his m-60 machine gun around and continued to fire on the enemy killing many of them and saving American lives. It is sad to say, but the enemy finally killed him.
I don’t think Melvin E. Newlin should have to share a section of highway with anyone.
America has lost track of what a hero is. While I feel for Cpl. Bratt for what he went through during World War II, being a POW does not make you a hero. It’s unfortunate what happened when Japan captured him and other soldiers, but he did come home alive. It is heroic when you fight the enemy until your death.
Melvin E. Newlin did not come home alive, for the action he took on that day in Vietnam. I have no problem naming a section of highway after Cpl. Bratt for what happened to him during World War II, but the section between Wellsville and East Liverpool on Route 7 should stay the Melvin E. Newlin Memorial Highway only.
Melvin E. Newlin paid the ultimate price a person can give during a war. He died for his country. They should find another section of highway for Cpl. Bratt – that would be fine with me.
Those who agree with me should call state Rep. Tim Ginter and let him know. He is responsible for getting a bill passed to also name a section of highway named after Cpl. Bratt. Ginter’s number is 614-466-8022.
Also I have talked to other Vietnam veterans and they don’t like this at all.
State Route 45 has already been named after a veteran, and as far as I know state Route 39 has not been named for anyone.
Gary W. Coleman
East Liverpool