War hero.

Thank you for the wonderful article about my dad, Harry Harkness, and other gay World War II vets ["Coming Out of WWII," June 8]. Isn't he something? Of course I grew up with stories about his experiences as a B-17 ball turret gunner, and as a college English teacher I recite whenever I get the chance Randall Jarrell's famous poem "The Death of rite Ball Turret Gunner." And wouldn't you know it--during the Vietnam War, I declared myself a conscientious objector. Despite his own strong views and having fought in combat, Dad totally supported my position. That's one reason why he's a beautiful man. Ed Harkness, Shoreline, Wash.