Steve Mason

Steve Mason (died May 25, 2005) was a decorated American combat veteran of the Vietnam War and a critically acclaimed poet. His poem "The Wall Within" was read at the 1984 dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and has the distinction of being the only American work of poetry on display at the war memorial in Hanoi. The author of three books of poetry relating to his experiences as a captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, "Johnny's Song", "Warrior for Peace", and "Human Being", his work was hailed by veterans and their families nationwide. In addition to being considered the unofficial poet laureate of the Vietnam Veterans of America, he worked for veterans' causes. Diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of exposure to Agent Orange during the war, he became a participant and active advocate for the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, and spoke at the California State Assembly for a similar law proposed in that state. He died on May 25, 2005, at his home in Ashland, Oregon. He was 65. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/05/31/news/obits.php Obituary:Steve Mason, poet and voice of Vietnam veterans] ] [ [http://articles.latimes.com/2005/may/29/local/me-mason29 Steve Mason, 65; Vietnam Veterans’ Poet Laureate] ] He is survived by four children.

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*cite news |last=Callimachi |first=Rukmini |title=Steve Mason, poet laureate of the Vietnam War, dead at age 65 |url=http://www.kgw.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8ADO6CG0.html |work=kgw.com AP Wire |date=May 30 2005 |accessdate=2007-09-19
* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/30/AR2005053000768.html Washington Post article on death]