The story of Lt. John Withers, his Quartermaster Truck Unit, and their interactions with the two Jewish boys from Dachau, Peewee and Salomon, is one of boundless compassion.  Why do we say the compassion was boundless?  Because of the many levels on which it occurred, and the whole spectrum of directions that it can spread.  Lt. John Withers was a very well educated officer, for white or black, in the U.S. Army.  When his men, soldiers with little education, brought  Peewee and Salomon into their unit with full acceptance and no thought of consequences to themselves, only knowing that it was the right thing to do, they taught Lt. Withers about what it meant to be compassionate and selfless.  The men, by example, were teaching their leader about what was truly important; the welfare of their fellow man. The reviving survivors, Peewee and Salomon charmed him, so that he did not pity them, his compassion was empathetic and respectful.   

I decided to approach fellow students and ask them: "What does compassion mean to you" ? Below are some of their responses:

Compassion is:

 Deep, heart-felt feeling, passion felt for others.  It always makes me think of warmth.  Combo of two words - company and passion; inviting someone into your embrace because you feel deeply empathetic for them.  Amanda, age 20

Com, meaning with, and passion referring to feelings, compassion is this: the co-feeling with another, particularly if they are in pain.  Compassion is the sharing of another's suffering as if it were your own.  Andrew, age 21

 Acting upon empathy, feeling of "oneness".  Peter, age 20

 A sincere and extraordinary interest in the well being of another.  Lindsey, age 19 

An understanding of the experiences of others that goes beyond intellectual comprehension to achieve an emotional connection.  The truly compassionate feel for others and act with that empathy in mind.       Becky, age 21 

An attempt to understand, a show of care, an act of kindness with no expectations or hope of personal gain.  Alyssa, age 21 

The ability to recognize the human needs and wants of another and take actions to realize them.              Paul, age 20