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Steve Mason (died May 25, 2005, aged 65) was a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War and critically acclaimed poet. His poem "The Wall Within" was read at the 1984 dedication of the Vietnam Wall 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 three books of poetry relating to his experiences as a captain in the US Army during the Vietnam War, "Johnny's Song", "Warrior for Peace", and "Human Being", his work was hailed by veterans and their families nationwide. In addition to being the poet laureate of the Vietnam Veterans Association, he worked for veterans causes. 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 issue, speaking at the California State Assembly for that cause. He is survived by four children.
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