Lt. John Withers was a  great commander who displayed the skills of a seasoned leader. When presented with a difficult situation of following orders and sending these individuals back to the extermination camp, Lt. Withers chose an alternate route.  During any war emotions are running high and logic sometimes becomes distorted. Lt. Withers diplayed a great leadership skill in going against the norm and cutting his own path. By taking Salamon and Peewee he was leading by example and displaying absolute hospitality. he not only changed formed these boys into men but brought them back from the brink of death and offered them a new life. He taught them how to read, speak, and dream. Only if more people were like Lt. Withers, willing to put it all on the line and steping up to lead.