Recalling the mettle of 'Uncle Rex'

To the Editor:

I would like to publicly thank you for finding and returning Uncle Rex Boswell's military medals to our family.

We searched mother's old house knowing those medals should be there and had given up thinking they were lost.

We are proud of our military family, including Uncles Ernie, Pete, Claude and Rex -- all children of Oscar and Marie (Martin) Boswell -- as well members of the family that served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Uncle Ernie received an eye injury after joining the army while stateside and received an honorable discharge. Uncle Claude was present in all the major campaigns across Europe, and Uncle Pete was on the ship that first entered Japan after the bombs were dropped and had first-hand knowledge of the devastation.

I think these brave men were the examples Uncle Rex wished to follow when he enlisted to serve his country in Germany, Korea and Vietnam as well as stateside. I need to correct that he served his country for 22 years but could not re-enlist to complete his 25 years, knowing he would be sent back to Vietnam.

Uncle Rex was one of the kindest, gentlest and most honorable men I have had the privilege to know and am so proud that he was a part of our family.

Terri Grayson

Cloverdale