Editor's Desk: Ordinary Heroes

By Michael F. Flach
Herald Editor
(From the issue of 7/25/02)

A few weeks ago we reported the inspiring story of Army Captain Humbert Roque ("Rocky") Versace, a former member of St. Rita Parish in Alexandria who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously by President George Bush.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against enemy forces that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Armed Services. The award was introduced into legislation in 1861 and signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862.

Versace, a 1959 West Point graduate, is believed to be the first Army POW to receive this honor.

During his second tour of duty in Vietnam, Versace and two fellow advisers to the South Vietnamese were captured by the Viet Cong at Hiep Hoa on Oct. 29, 1963. In his 1971 book, Five Years to Freedom, fellow POW and author James "Nick" Rowe describes how Versace persistently rebuffed any propaganda attempts or torture by his North Vietnamese captors. He repeatedly tried to escape, resulting in imprisonment in a bamboo cage. Ultimately, North Vietnamese "Liberation Radio" announced on Sept. 26, 1965, that Versace had been executed in retribution for three Viet Cong killed in Da Nang.

Rowe described his friend and comrade as "the greatest example of what an officer should be."

Versace was a man to whom duty, honor and country meant more than just words, Rowe told the West Point Class of 1969. "Rocky lived this code. [The Viet Cong] couldn’t even bend him; they couldn’t break him. As a result they executed him. He died for his actions, but he is a man who I believe will be remembered and I am going to see that he is remembered."

Washington area residents will be able to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of ordinary people beginning next week. "Ordinary Heroes," a special visual tribute to freedom and the American spirit, will be on display at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City from July 31 through Aug. 10.

The photographic exhibit is based on Tom Casalini’s book Ordinary Heroes, which brings to life the experiences of 48 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Casalini’s book describes how ordinary people rose to challenges and provided service to their family, community and country beyond the call of duty.

The "Ordinary Heroes" program was launched on Independence Day, July 4, in Atlanta. After leaving Pentagon City, the exhibit will have tour stops at Simon malls in Pittsburgh; Orland Park, Ill.; Minneapolis; Garden City, N.Y.; and Hurst, Texas;, before closing in Indianapolis on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

Each tour location will select a local essay contest winner to receive a $100 mall gift certificate and become eligible for the $1,000 gift certificate drawing at the end of November. An essay of 500 words or less describing your "ordinary hero" should be sent to: P.O. Box 191445, Atlanta, GA 31119. Local winners from participating malls will be announced Nov. 15.

Although Rocky Versace’s story is not included in Casalini’s book, he will continue to be an inspiration for future generations. A bronze statue of Versace and two Vietnamese children stands in front of the Mount Vernon Recreation Center on Commonwealth Avenue in Alexandria. A low, curving wall inscribed with the names of 65 Alexandria residents who died in Vietnam encircles the statues.— M.F.F.

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