Feature: Small Ohio town pays tribute to its lost son

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.

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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.