Posted by Brig. Gen. RM Ong (Ret) on May 19, 2016:

Michael J. Soth, a gallant young Captain, was killed in action in Vietnam on 21 June 1966 while fighting for what he felt was a just and noble cause. Words that could eulogize fully this deeply religious man just do not exist. Mike's love for his God and his country gave him the strength and courage to dedicate his life to the defense of freedom. No greater love has a man for freedom than that he give his life in defense of another man's freedom. Mike was born on 27 January 1942 in East Orange, New Jersey. He grew to maturity in Ontario, California, graduating from Pomona Catholic High School in 1959, He entered West Point in July 1959 from California's 27th District, and thus began what was for him an exciting and inspiring career. While at West Point, Mike demonstrated the fullness of his capacity for life in his vibrant and joyous devotion to Church, academic, and athletic activities. As a member of the cross-country team he competed with the same honest sincerity and fierce dedication that he gave to everything he undertook. His zeal for sports inspired him to become a statistics expert in a wide variety of athletic contests. Mike's cheerful, optimistic personality and his quick wit were a constant source of amusement and inspiration to his classmates. And he was always ready to help the Cadet who might be having trouble with academics. After graduation in June 1963 Mike attended the Infantry Basic Officers' Course and then went on to take Airborne and Ranger training at Fort Benning. When he completed his first regular tour of duty -- in Korea -- he felt it was his duty to volunteer for Vietnam. While serving as a Military Advisor in Vietnam, he was profoundly affected by the widespread misery which afflicted the Vietnamese people in their struggle to choose their own political philosophy rather than having one imposed upon them. He felt so strongly about his own and his country's contributions in Vietnam that he extended his tour there. Then, one June day, while accompanying his Vietnamese Infantry Battalion on a military operation, Mike was killed in a Viet Cong ambush. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for the physical and moral courage he displayed in his last and finest fight for freedom. We who were close to Mike Soth feel a deep sense of loss in his death. The memory of his sparkling blue eyes, his blonde hair, and his warm smile will linger long, providing us with a constant reminder that the real greatness in man is his capacity for self-sacrifice in the service of his fellow man. -- Captain Roger Manning, Classmate, Roommate, Friend

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