Central Illinois: Remembering “The Forgotten War”

WJBC: Remembering “The Forgotten War”
While Americans take time to celebrate our nation’s independence today, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency wants to make sure a part of U.S. military history isn’t forgotten.

More than 54,000 U.S. citizens – including 1,754 from Illinois – died in the Korean War from 1950-1953.

“Falling as it did between World War II and the Vietnam War and being the first war where the U.S. wasn’t a clear winner, (the Korean War) is often forgotten,” Spokesman David Blanchette said.

The IHPA is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War by posting a list of names of each Illinoisan who died in the war, 60 years ago that month, on its website. The agency also notes key developments in the war and lists Medal of Honor recipients.

“Many Korean War veterans are in their mid-70s, 80s or in some cases in their 90s. Time is running short to give these people the recognition they deserve,” Blanchette said.

The IPHA has provided a list of the number of Korean War deaths from Central Illinois:

McLean County 24

Tazewell 18

Piatt 16

Logan 6

Livingston 5

DeWitt 3

Woodford 2

Ford 1

You can access the information at www.illinoishistory.gov.