Steve Mason

• Name — Stephen R. Mason • Born — 29 February 1940 • Birthplace — Brooklyn, New York • Died — 25 May 2005 • Place of death — Medford, Oregon • Occupation — * Army captain • poet • author

Mason's 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 four books, his poetry related to his experiences as a captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. His work was hailed by veterans and their families nationwide. 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 at his home in Ashland, Oregon, at the age of 65. He is survived by four children. Mason once said, "The truth is, that the only message I`ve taken from war, is peace.``