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To many veterans the possible monetary compensation is less important than winning recognition and respect for their Viet Nam service—something the American public took far too long to grant to those who fought in that divisive war. This yearning too makes some restitution by the Government all the more important. Yannacone said last week that he planned to file a class action on behalf of the wives and children of Viet Nam veterans against the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Public Health Service and the Food and Drug Administration. Said Ryan, whose wife and daughter will be representative plaintiffs in the coming suit: "The trial will take place against the Government. That's where we want our day in court."
— By Jacob V. Lamar Jr. Reported by Reported by Timothy Loughran and Peter Stoler/New York