ARTICLE: Better to feature Stone

The article "Werner Koester: War Pilot Remembers" written by Bill Buley and appearing in the Dec. 19 Lifestyles section of The Press really falls short and inadequately describes the defining event of the 20th century.

I'm sure Bill Buley's article was an attempt to present a different perspective about World War II and its aftermath and at the same time recognize a grateful Mr. Koester and his eventual assimilation into American society.

However, approximately 100 yards from Mr. Buley's desk resides a more insightful and candid interview from a member of what Tom Brokaw calls the "Greatest Generation." Former Mayor Ray Stone's street creds include:

1. Three combat campaigns during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge.

2. Receiving the Bronze Star as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division for liberating the Woebellin Concentration Camp in Germany in May 1945.

3. Receiving the Eisenhower Liberation medal from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council in April 1988. Ray met with Woebbelin camp survivors, including one who remembered Ray from that "day" of liberation.

4. Accepting the Raul Wallenberg Award on behalf of the city of Coeur d'Alene.

5. Accepting the All America City Award on behalf of the city of Coeur d'Alene for its role in dealing with the Aryan Nations.

It is my personal belief that Bill Buley should have pressed Mr. Koester to answer more significant decades-old questions about World War II but apparently felt compelled not to. At any rate, if I can facilitate an introduction of Bill Buley to Ray Stone I'd be more than happy to do so.

DAVID M. COHEN

Coeur d'Alene