Korean vets ‘ambassadors for peace’

From Commercial-News.com: Korean vets ‘ambassadors for peace’
DANVILLE — After 60 years, the Republic of Korea government still appreciates the efforts of the Americans who helped restore and preserve its freedom.

Several Korean War veterans in the area have received a medal, a pin and a certificate declaring them “ambassadors for peace.”

The items were distributed this summer during the Illinois convention of Korean War veterans in Springfield. Heechang Woo with the consulate general in Chicago presented Peace Ambassador Medals to representatives of Korean War veterans organizations.

Vermilion County brought about 20 certificates home. Some local veterans had already received the certificates in the past, including those who have gone on trips to revisit South Korea.

For three Army veterans, receiving the medal and other items recently was a thrill.

“It’s the first recognition I’ve had since I’ve been home from Korea,” said Paul Jaynes of Danville, who served in the Army field artillery.

However, he recalled a recent time when he was in public, wearing his Korean War cap, and a young man approached him. “He said ‘I want to thank you for your service,’” Jaynes said.

Robert L. Hart of Fairmount and Raymond Thompson of Oakwood also said they were pleased with the recognition by South Korea.

Ken Cook, a Korean War veteran, received his honor in 1995, at the dedication of the Korean War monument in Washington, D.C. He went on a revisit program to Korea in 1998. In 2000, he represented the United States at the International Federation of Korean War Veterans gathering.

He presented Hart, Jaynes and Thompson with their medals recently at the Korean War memorial on Hazel Street.

David Thornsbrough, president of the local Korean War Veterans Association, also had a limited number of certificates and medals, which he gave to association members.

The honorees included: Hershall Lee, Monroe Melzer, Dennis Turner, Bill Crouch, Bill Steffy, Victor Hix, Gerry Holycross, Harold Bott, Samuel Schlorff, Henry Thornton, Richard Nicoson, Barney Baroff, Frank Hoskins and Warren Thomas.

The men were given a folder with two certificates — one in Korean and one in English. The English one notes the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and its people for the service provided in restoring and preserving the country’s freedom and democracy. It also states, “We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us re-establish our Free Nation.”

It’s signed by the minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the retired general of the ROK Army.

In addition to the certificate, the men received a medal on a colorful ribbon, a small medal and a lapel pin.