A vet at the American Legion, post 70 in Ohio, started this story by sending a link to a Wikipedia article about Pfc. Melvin Newlin, a young man who was KIA during Vietnam and posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
I was able to talk to one of his sisters, a brother, a former reporter, and a few townspeople who shared his story. Everyone from Wellsville seemed to know his story.
Newlin’s story is in some ways remarkable, but it doesn’t seem so to those that knew him. As his brother Joe said, “It wasn’t difficult for me to believe. I knew what he’d do. I knew what he was like.”
Click here to read his full story, one of valor, tragedy, and community.
