Army Values: Integrity �� Ray Peers - Brief Article

William R. "Ray" Peers demonstrated unwavering integrity and superb leadership as the commander of Detachment 101 of the Office of Strategic Services in China and Burma during World War II. He was responsible for thousands of U.S. and Burmese soldiers and guerrillas during the most successful guerrilla war ever conducted by Americans.

Trusted with huge sums of cash and equipment by the OSS, Peers made the most of every asset given him in order to pursue his mission: to drive the Japanese out of Burma. His men trusted him implicitly.

Near the end of his distinguished military career, Lieutenant General Peers faced the greatest challenge to his integrity while serving as chairman of the commission investigating the alleged massacre of South Vietnamese villagers by U.S. soldiers at My Lai. Under considerable pressure from both the media and the military hierarchy, Peers was unwavering. He was determined to discover the truth, no matter who was implicated, and to present his recommendations to the Army. Peers let the chips fall where they might, naming dozens of Army officers and soldiers whom he believed should be held accountable for their actions. After the investigation, even those who disagreed with his recommendations never questioned his integrity.

Peers retired shortly after the commission adjourned, confident that he had lived up to his own sense of integrity and that he had told the truth, regardless of the cost to the Army or to his own career.

COPYRIGHT 2000 John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group