TOKYO — Rep. L. Mendel Rivers (D-S.C.) said Monday that the contribution being made by the Republic of Korea in the Vietnam war should make some of America's "so-called comrades hang their heads in shame."

Rivers, in an interview with Pacific Stars and Stripes, said it would be a "mighty good thing for those who preach freedom" to follow the ROK's decision to join the U.S. to "fight side-by-side in our common struggle for freedom."

The congressman praised the ROK servicemen for their dedication and bravery and pledged continued U.S. support of the ROK military.

"I'm going to be sure the world, and particularly the U.S., knows what the ROK is doing in this cause of freedom," said Rivers. "I've visited the ROK and know they have one of the finest military machines in the world."

Rivers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said he is going to visit American servicemen in the Republic of Vietnam to learn "from the horse's mouth just what those boys need. We are going to see that their sacrifice is not in vain."

The congressman said he sees several indications of improvement in the Vietnam war.

He said he intends to "greet the American fighting man in the field."

Rivers introduced General Mark Clark (Ret.), former commander of U.S. Armed Forces in the Far East, and said the "world knows my close friend and trusted adviser's dedication to freedom."

The congressman also praised Pacific Stars and Stripes, which celebrated its 20th anniversary Sunday. "The security of the world is contingent on the U.S., and the American fighting man needs Stripes' uncolored, unbiased, reporting" to have a link with home, said Rivers.

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