Missile Strike

To the Editors:

Many Americans are reacting with frustration to the attack on the U.S.S. Stark by an Iraqi plane ((NATION, June 1)). It is time this country took some action and ignored the opinion of the rest of the world. We can no longer dismiss these incidents as accidents. America should react in a way befitting a superpower.

Justin Kirchhofer

Westerville, Ohio

By selling weapons to Iran, the U.S. left itself open to the strike against the Stark. It is easy to see why Iraq attacked the frigate. American weapons are killing Iraqis. Instead of promoting peace, our Government sows war and destruction, and for this we Americans suffer the hatred and scorn of the rest of the world.

Gilbert Noble

Kula, Hawaii

Why does the U.S. appoint itself the guardian of free passage of oil through the gulf? The incident with the Stark should teach the Reagan Administration not to poke its nose wherever it likes.

Peter O. Oula

Nairobi

In referring to the strike against the Stark, President Reagan said the 37 sailors killed did not die in vain. My definition of "dying in vain" includes being killed in your bed without knowing you are in danger and without firing a shot. In the future, whenever the U.S. undertakes a mission into a hostile area, the Government should plan for the inevitable risks. Let's leave senseless martyrdom to others.

Howard F. Bowles Jr.

Newtown, Conn.