City officials say the army should send a bold message condemning alleged racism and abuse in its ranks that may have led to Private Danny Chen's suicide.

City Councilwoman Margaret Chin and Speaker Christine Quinn sent a letter asking the commanding general to intervene in the case and dishonorably discharge Sgt. Adam Holcomb.

They say Holcomb's 30-day sentence for assaulting and mistreating Chen fails to deter bullying and hazing in the military.

Holcomb was spared from more serious charges and faced a maximum of two-and-a-half years in a military correctional facility.

Private Chen, a Manhattan native, committed suicide in October just weeks after deployment to Afghanistan.

Seven other soldiers are set to face charges in the case.