"I therefore state that the allegations against me, late to work, overuse of the telephone, are grossly exaggerated, and are made to discredit me because I hold and express anti-war views and seek discharge as a conscientious objector....
Thoroughly appalled at the lack of integrity of some Mt. Meade officials, and others, and in light of the invasions of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, I hereby elect discharge, as is my right as a Regular Army officer, and thus submit the attached resignation from the Army."
II
THE ARMY was embarrassed by the entire Font affair and was generally unwilling to discuss it. Post Commander Col. Alexander admitted last month that the housing conditions at Ft. Meade had been sub-standard but that they were quickly renovated. He flatly denied that Font was ever placed in an empty room with nothing to do. "I have attempted very strongly to employ him profitably," Alexander said. "If I have a lieutenant I like to get a day's work out of him."
In subsequent conversations. Alexander refused to discuss Font and referred all questions to post information officer Joseph J. Hedley. Hedley contended that the barracks in question were occupied by soldiers awaiting disciplinary action and that these men deliberately committed acts of vandalism in their frustration with the Army.
III
ON APRIL 12, the Army granted Font's request for elective discharge. As a consequence, the court-martial charges against him will be dropped. Nevertheless, the Army is obligated to investigate his charges against Seaman. Koster, Alexander and Ciccolella.
Still, Font is not sanguine about the Army's honesty. "One of the main reasons they want me out is so that one month or two months from now when they begin dropping charges I won't begin hollering," he says.
Font characterized the mood at Ft. Meade as decidedly anti-war and antimilitary. His actions there have won him respect and admiration from the men. One of Font's friends, Specialist 4th Class Nick Perazza, labeled the base "the most disgusting fort I've ever seen. I've lived in buildings with no walls. This is First Army Headquarters and the closest fort to D. C. but they keep on dumping money into buildings that are condemned. I've personally had to sleep with five blankets and my clothes on."
Font is currently accompanying Congressman Dellums on a tour of Army bases around the country. He plans to return to Maryland and continue his antiwar activities there for a few months. These activities include Font's participation in the Concerned Officers Movement, a group of about 700 active-duty officers who oppose the war and advocate increased leniency within the Army. Font hopes to return to the Kennedy School of Government in the fall to finish off the requirements for his master's degree.