A Vietnam veteran spit tobacco juice in the face of actress Jane Fonda at a book signing in Kansas City, Missouri Tuesday.

Michael A. Smith, 54, said he does not normally chew tobacco but put some in his mouth just to spit it at Fonda. He called her a 'traitor' and said her protests against the Vietnam war were 'unforgivable' according to a report published in the Kansas City Star.

'I consider it a debt of honor,' Smith explained to The Star. 'She spit in our faces for 37 years. It was absolutely worth it. There are a lot of veterans who would love to do what I did.'

Although Fonda did not wish to press charges, Smith was arrested on a municipal charge of disorderly conduct and released on bond Tuesday night. He is scheduled to make a court appearance on May 27.

Fonda was making an appearance on her book signing tour to promote her autobiography, 'My Life So Far.' Approximately 900 people attended the book signing to see the Oscar winning actress.

Vivian Jennings of Rainy Day Books sponsored Fonda's appearance. She said the crowd was supportive of the actress and gave her a standing ovation after she spoke. She was pleased with the way Fonda handled the situation. 'The important thing is that she was so calm and so gracious about it,' Jennings said of Fonda. 'She was wonderful.'

Fonda released a statement through her publisher about the incident as she flew to Minneapolis for the next stop on her book signing tour.

'In spite of the incident, my experience in Kansas City was wonderful and I thank all the warm and supportive people, including so many veterans, who came to welcome me last night,' Fonda said.