From The Republic: Honor flights to memorials will include Ohio veterans from Korea, Vietnam wars, not just WWII
WASHINGTON — Melville Swanson is quiet as he looks down at his large, weathered hands. It is 6 a.m. on Saturday, and he had been awakened 2 1/2 hours earlier, not entirely sure what his day would bring.
His son and daughter crouch next to him at Port Columbus and explain to a caretaker which pills their 90-year-old dad would need to get the World War II Marine veteran to Washington and back over one long day.
They explain that his blood pressure drops dangerously when he stands up, that he sometimes gets confused. They don't seem confident that he'll be able to appreciate the day.
Of the 78 veterans on this recent Honor Flight, Swanson is one of the few that Columbus directors Bobbi and Bill Richards worry about.
He's considered one of the TLC veterans — "their last chance" to see the nation's capital and the World War II memorial built on their backs.
With around 1,000 World War II veterans dying every day, and a dwindling waiting list to get on such trips, Honor Flight Columbus will start accepting Korean and Vietnam war applicants next year. It's a bittersweet moment for Honor Flight, Bobbi Richards said. With 70,000 World War II veterans flown so far nationwide, the program is transitioning to a new generation of heroes.
Twelve hours later, Swanson is at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, carefully sipping coffee given to him as a "thank you" by a barista.
Gone is the quiet old man from the morning. Now, he can't stop talking — about the trip, about his family, about the flight home.
He waves at a little girl in polka dot pajamas and fingers the red paper poppy given to him earlier by another young girl. He had given her a small piece of candy that he had in his pocket.
Not once did he need his blood pressure checked, and he registered no complaint as he was hoisted in and out of a wheelchair a half-dozen times. His eyes stayed wide open as the tour bus wound through the streets.
"When I woke up this morning," he said, "I didn't realize anything like this was going to happen."
___
In an airplane mostly filled with old men, Lee Bauermeister is a rarity.
She is a woman veteran, one of only three on this trip. She flirts shamelessly with the Naval Academy midshipmen greeting the other veterans at BWI, and warns one baby-face boy from Michigan that she'd be running around with him if she were a few decades younger.
She has a folder full of 65-year-old pictures to prove it.
She is one of those whom Honor Flight wants to reach, the ones who stood up to serve but were never deployed. Many of these servicemen and women don't think they deserve to go, that they didn't do enough.
You did, they are told. You stood up when asked.
She stood up and joined the Navy and was on her way to becoming a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) when the war ended. She spent the end of the war as a photographer at a base in Pensacola, Fla.
"I've always believed women should have a part of everything and anything," Bauermeister said, her old Navy cap pinned perfectly to her curled hair.
This flight isn't exclusive. You didn't have to climb the hill, you didn't have to storm Normandy. You just had to stand up when asked.
___
It is slow going through the World War II memorial. Not just because of the crush of people, but because of the veterans' celebrity status.
"Your memorial," everyone keeps saying.
Once inside her memorial, Bauermeister touches up her lipstick. A woman stops to tell her she looks beautiful, and "thank you." Bauermeister makes sure to lift her head for photos — a surgery has left her slightly hunched, and she wants to look her best today.
She smiles wide and waves at everyone, like royalty.
Across the memorial, Swanson is with his caretaker for the day, an Iraq War veteran and Army Reservist named Tom Englehart. It's Englehart's 11th such trip, so he's well versed in his duties as a nurse, tour guide, historian and photographer.
Someone thinks the two are family, watching as Englehart keeps his ear close to Swanson's lips so he can hear the old man's stories.
"We are today," Englehart replied, always keeping one hand on the wheelchair.
He said the veterans are living history books. As they roll through the memorial, Swanson's book opens, spilling out forgotten stories and long-tucked-away memories.
A 14-year-old boy from Wisconsin waits to talk to Swanson, then tells him people need veterans like him in order to understand the war.
"I hope you never have to understand it," Swanson said.
___
Coming down the escalator that night in Port Columbus, the crush of celebrants is shocking. Hundreds crowd around baggage claim holding signs and shouting.
As the veterans get closer, they look behind them, like this crowd has to be for someone else.
Swanson comes out of the elevator and grasps the tiny hands of scouts who reach out to thank him. Swanson's daughter finds him and envelops her dad in a hug.
"It's been an honor," Englehart kneels to tell Swanson.
Women kiss Bauermeister on the head, surprised and happy to see a woman among those coming home. She waves and smiles, with lips freshly painted.
By the escalator, Bobbi and Bill Richards share a kiss.
They brought 500 veterans to Washington this year, but there's so many more they'll never take. They'll never win this race against time.
Many of these smiling faces will be gone by next April's trip.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Lynn, UK: Korean War sacrifices are commemorated
From Lynn News: Korean War sacrifices are commemorated
THOSE who died fighting in the Korean War were honoured with a tribute ceremony on Monday.
The British Korean Veterans’ Association (BKVA) invited widows, families and guests to the United Nations Day ceremony at Lynn’s Greyfriars Garden of Remembrance.
Kenneth Jones, from the national council for BKVA, gave a welcoming address.
This was followed with a reading by West Norfolk borough mayor, Colin Sampson.
Prayers were said for the fallen and Rev James Nash, rector of North and South Wootton, gave a blessing.
Brig Tony Kendall, a member of BKVA, laid a wreath at the foot of the war memorial in Tower Gardens in honour of the 1,078 servicemen killed in action.
Those who attended the service joined in with the National Anthem while flags from the Royal British Legion, Republic of Korea, BKVA and United Nations were marched around the gardens.
The service commemorated those who gave their lives on behalf of the United Nations in the war to protect South Korea against invasion from the communist North.
Britain deployed strong military and naval forces in 1950 which were in constant action for three years. During this time, 68,000 servicemen left Britain to fight against North Korea; 1,078 were killed in action and 2,500 were wounded.
THOSE who died fighting in the Korean War were honoured with a tribute ceremony on Monday.
The British Korean Veterans’ Association (BKVA) invited widows, families and guests to the United Nations Day ceremony at Lynn’s Greyfriars Garden of Remembrance.
Kenneth Jones, from the national council for BKVA, gave a welcoming address.
This was followed with a reading by West Norfolk borough mayor, Colin Sampson.
Prayers were said for the fallen and Rev James Nash, rector of North and South Wootton, gave a blessing.
Brig Tony Kendall, a member of BKVA, laid a wreath at the foot of the war memorial in Tower Gardens in honour of the 1,078 servicemen killed in action.
Those who attended the service joined in with the National Anthem while flags from the Royal British Legion, Republic of Korea, BKVA and United Nations were marched around the gardens.
The service commemorated those who gave their lives on behalf of the United Nations in the war to protect South Korea against invasion from the communist North.
Britain deployed strong military and naval forces in 1950 which were in constant action for three years. During this time, 68,000 servicemen left Britain to fight against North Korea; 1,078 were killed in action and 2,500 were wounded.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Korean War missile battalion members reunite in Tulsa after 50 years
From Tulsa World: Korean War missile battalion members reunite in Tulsa after 50 years
The last time the five of them were together was 50 years ago and a world away.
Leroy Schaeffer, Don Eilers, Gary Threw, Tom Proszek and David Barker, along with the other members of their missile battalion, were charged with keeping the peace in Korea after the war there. The 13 months there forged strong friendships conducive to Army service.
When they met this week in Tulsa, there was more gray hair and less agility, but little changed as they heartily laughed and swapped stories, of war and of life.
Barker, of Tulsa, had remained in contact only with Schaeffer, but he realized last year that time was against them to get the gang back together.
"When I started trying to contact people, I found that several of them had passed away, and I asked myself why they hadn't had a reunion yet," Barker said. "When you're younger, you're working and busy with your job and all that. Now we have time."
After training, they were assigned to the 6th Missile Battalion, 8th Artillery out of Fort Sill in southwest Oklahoma. They were activated in 1959 to serve the Korea defense after the armistice in 1953. Soon after, they shipped out.
As American kids in their early 20s, it was a shock of reality.
"I remember when we sailed underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, that was an eye-opener," Barker said. "That was kind of a choker - going underneath that bridge and going, 'Wow. This is real.' "
But the time in Korea was not entirely hell, aside from being away from home, they said.
They were in a remote outpost about 40 miles from the South Korea capital of Seoul, Eilers said. They didn't see much conflict and the tension was low, for the most part.
But one missile launch in particular was a little nerve-wracking.
"The missile was supposed to go up and out and down and arm itself," Proszek said. "This one went up and started coming back."
Luckily, the errant missile splashed down in the East China Sea, Proszek said.
Their time there included keeping themselves entertained, as 20-somethings tend to do.
However, their unit was eager to make its return to the states.
"Coming home, though, we got into San Francisco and everyone got off the boat and kissed the ground," Schaeffer said.
The unit split after that - and it wouldn't be until 2011 that the unit was back together.
"We had about enough of one another," Schaeffer joked. "It took about 50 years for the memories to fade."
When they entered the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel at 71st Street and Highway 169 Wednesday evening, it was time to play the guessing game.
"We were sitting right here yesterday and when they came in, we thought, 'Is that Gary? Is that Tom?'" Barker said.
"These guys got old," Proszek joked.
They spent the last two days sharing stories and experiences, at least the ones they could remember.
Their wives "probably heard some stories last night that we've never told them before," Eilers said.
Korean War
Conflict erupted on the Korean Peninsula in 1950 between South Korea, backed by the United Nations, and North Korea with Chinese support. An armistice was signed in 1953, re-establishing the boundary along the 38th Parallel and creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone. About 28,000 American troops remain in South Korea.
The last time the five of them were together was 50 years ago and a world away.
Leroy Schaeffer, Don Eilers, Gary Threw, Tom Proszek and David Barker, along with the other members of their missile battalion, were charged with keeping the peace in Korea after the war there. The 13 months there forged strong friendships conducive to Army service.
When they met this week in Tulsa, there was more gray hair and less agility, but little changed as they heartily laughed and swapped stories, of war and of life.
Barker, of Tulsa, had remained in contact only with Schaeffer, but he realized last year that time was against them to get the gang back together.
"When I started trying to contact people, I found that several of them had passed away, and I asked myself why they hadn't had a reunion yet," Barker said. "When you're younger, you're working and busy with your job and all that. Now we have time."
After training, they were assigned to the 6th Missile Battalion, 8th Artillery out of Fort Sill in southwest Oklahoma. They were activated in 1959 to serve the Korea defense after the armistice in 1953. Soon after, they shipped out.
As American kids in their early 20s, it was a shock of reality.
"I remember when we sailed underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, that was an eye-opener," Barker said. "That was kind of a choker - going underneath that bridge and going, 'Wow. This is real.' "
But the time in Korea was not entirely hell, aside from being away from home, they said.
They were in a remote outpost about 40 miles from the South Korea capital of Seoul, Eilers said. They didn't see much conflict and the tension was low, for the most part.
But one missile launch in particular was a little nerve-wracking.
"The missile was supposed to go up and out and down and arm itself," Proszek said. "This one went up and started coming back."
Luckily, the errant missile splashed down in the East China Sea, Proszek said.
Their time there included keeping themselves entertained, as 20-somethings tend to do.
However, their unit was eager to make its return to the states.
"Coming home, though, we got into San Francisco and everyone got off the boat and kissed the ground," Schaeffer said.
The unit split after that - and it wouldn't be until 2011 that the unit was back together.
"We had about enough of one another," Schaeffer joked. "It took about 50 years for the memories to fade."
When they entered the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel at 71st Street and Highway 169 Wednesday evening, it was time to play the guessing game.
"We were sitting right here yesterday and when they came in, we thought, 'Is that Gary? Is that Tom?'" Barker said.
"These guys got old," Proszek joked.
They spent the last two days sharing stories and experiences, at least the ones they could remember.
Their wives "probably heard some stories last night that we've never told them before," Eilers said.
Korean War
Conflict erupted on the Korean Peninsula in 1950 between South Korea, backed by the United Nations, and North Korea with Chinese support. An armistice was signed in 1953, re-establishing the boundary along the 38th Parallel and creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone. About 28,000 American troops remain in South Korea.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Korean War veterans honoured at Busan monument
From ABC Radio Australia: Korean War veterans honoured at Busan monument
A veteran of the Korean war says sixty years after the war's major battles, Australian servicemen and women are finally getting their recognition.
The 17 000 Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses have been honoured today at the dedication of a monument in Busan, South Korea.
There's also been a special commemorative ceremony for the 43 Australian servicemen listed as missing in action.
Australia fought with American-led UN forces defending the South against an invasion by the Chinese-backed communist North.
Korea is often described as the Forgotten War, coming as it did between the allied victories of the Second World War and the quagmire of Vietnam.
Ken Barnett is one of the seven veterans who's in South Korea to take part in the 60th anniversary commemorations.
A veteran of the Korean war says sixty years after the war's major battles, Australian servicemen and women are finally getting their recognition.
The 17 000 Australian sailors, soldiers, airmen and nurses have been honoured today at the dedication of a monument in Busan, South Korea.
There's also been a special commemorative ceremony for the 43 Australian servicemen listed as missing in action.
Australia fought with American-led UN forces defending the South against an invasion by the Chinese-backed communist North.
Korea is often described as the Forgotten War, coming as it did between the allied victories of the Second World War and the quagmire of Vietnam.
Ken Barnett is one of the seven veterans who's in South Korea to take part in the 60th anniversary commemorations.
Australian Federation Guard supports Korean War commemorations
From Defense.gov.au: Australian Federation Guard supports Korean War commemorations
A contingent from Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) is in Korea to support activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War battles of Kapyong and Maryang San.
During the six-day mission, the AFG will provide a catafalque party for memorial ceremonies at Australian, Commonwealth and United Nations memorials.
The AFG’s tri-service ceremonial capability promotes the standards, values, traditions and ethos of Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Australia’s Federation Guard was established in 2000 to provide the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force with a permanent ceremonial capability.
The Guard has its home in Canberra and has gained a reputation of being a professional ceremonial unit serving the ADF and Government in Australia and overseas.
The unit is manned by men and women of the Navy, Army and Air Force who have defence trades separate to their AFG ceremonial role, including tank drivers, chefs, air defence operators, marine technicians, fire fighters and ship’s bosuns.
The mission party includes eight representatives of Australia’s Korean War veteran community, accompanied by Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Warren Snowdon.
The commemorations honour the 17,000 Australians who served in Korea, and more than 340 who lost their lives in the war.
A contingent from Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) is in Korea to support activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War battles of Kapyong and Maryang San.
During the six-day mission, the AFG will provide a catafalque party for memorial ceremonies at Australian, Commonwealth and United Nations memorials.
The AFG’s tri-service ceremonial capability promotes the standards, values, traditions and ethos of Australia and the Australian Defence Force.
Australia’s Federation Guard was established in 2000 to provide the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force with a permanent ceremonial capability.
The Guard has its home in Canberra and has gained a reputation of being a professional ceremonial unit serving the ADF and Government in Australia and overseas.
The unit is manned by men and women of the Navy, Army and Air Force who have defence trades separate to their AFG ceremonial role, including tank drivers, chefs, air defence operators, marine technicians, fire fighters and ship’s bosuns.
The mission party includes eight representatives of Australia’s Korean War veteran community, accompanied by Veterans’ Affairs Minister, Warren Snowdon.
The commemorations honour the 17,000 Australians who served in Korea, and more than 340 who lost their lives in the war.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
UK: Cenotaph revisions to correct names for Korean War dead
From Truro Daily News: Cenotaph revisions to correct names for Korean War dead
TRURO - Two Truro Korean War vets, who were killed in battle, should soon have a place of their own on the local centotaph.
"That would satisfy me," said fellow Korean War veteran Curtis Faulkner, who earlier this year raised concerns over the fact that two Truro soldiers who both perished in that "forgotten war," we're not properly represented on the town's cenotaph.
"Just to let people know, the Town of Truro, these people were living and they gave the supreme sacrifice," Faulkner said, regarding his boyhood friend, Leslie Thomas Fielding and another man, a Cpl. MacLean, who names appear with other Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War.
"He was not killed in the Battle of the Atlantic. He was killed in Korea (April 25, 1951 during the Battle of Kap'yong)," Faulkner said earlier this year, regarding Fielding. "It was a forgotten war and these men we're absolutely forgotten about."
Faulkner believes Korean vets, even if there are only two on the Cenotaph, should be properly listed on the stone, instead of just being lumped in with the names of the fallen from other battles.
After hearing his complaint, a meeting was held with Royal Canadian Legion members and Truro Mayor Bill Mills, during which the idea for the plaque was presented.
The cenotaph is actually owned by the town, and Mills said he will be taking the request to pay for a plaque to council for consideration.
"That would be quite satisfactory (if both names are included)," Faulkner said, adding that Fielding should also be credited on the plaque for having been awarded a Presidential Citation from the U.S. after his death.
"Which I think should be mentioned on that plaque," he said. "Other than that I'd be satisfied."
TRURO - Two Truro Korean War vets, who were killed in battle, should soon have a place of their own on the local centotaph.
"That would satisfy me," said fellow Korean War veteran Curtis Faulkner, who earlier this year raised concerns over the fact that two Truro soldiers who both perished in that "forgotten war," we're not properly represented on the town's cenotaph.
"Just to let people know, the Town of Truro, these people were living and they gave the supreme sacrifice," Faulkner said, regarding his boyhood friend, Leslie Thomas Fielding and another man, a Cpl. MacLean, who names appear with other Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War.
"He was not killed in the Battle of the Atlantic. He was killed in Korea (April 25, 1951 during the Battle of Kap'yong)," Faulkner said earlier this year, regarding Fielding. "It was a forgotten war and these men we're absolutely forgotten about."
Faulkner believes Korean vets, even if there are only two on the Cenotaph, should be properly listed on the stone, instead of just being lumped in with the names of the fallen from other battles.
After hearing his complaint, a meeting was held with Royal Canadian Legion members and Truro Mayor Bill Mills, during which the idea for the plaque was presented.
The cenotaph is actually owned by the town, and Mills said he will be taking the request to pay for a plaque to council for consideration.
"That would be quite satisfactory (if both names are included)," Faulkner said, adding that Fielding should also be credited on the plaque for having been awarded a Presidential Citation from the U.S. after his death.
"Which I think should be mentioned on that plaque," he said. "Other than that I'd be satisfied."
U.K. Plans Europe's 1st Korean War Museum
From the Chosunilbo: U.K. Plans Europe's 1st Korean War Museum
Plans are afoot to build Europe's first museum dedicated to the Korean War. An entrepreneur and veterans from the U.K.'s Gloucestershire Regiment, which fought in the war, has established a committee to set up the tentatively named "Great Britain's Korean War Museum" and started fundraising efforts.
The city of Gloucester is apparently interested in the project and agreed to provide administrative support.
Paul James, the leader of Gloucester City Council and City Councillor for Longlevens, told the Chosun Ilbo on Friday last week the City Council and the committee are in talks to secure land for the museum in the old town center that is being redeveloped as a historical and cultural tourist zone.
Britain sent 63,000 troops to the Korean War, second only to the U.S. in the Allied Forces. The Gloucestershire Regiment was one of the main forces in the British Army.
The committee plans to complete the museum by 2013, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and is working towards the goal of raising 2.5 million pounds (W4.5 billion) from the National Lottery and other sources. There are a number of museums in memory of the war in the U.S., Canada, and Australia but once completed, this will be Europe's first.
Plans are afoot to build Europe's first museum dedicated to the Korean War. An entrepreneur and veterans from the U.K.'s Gloucestershire Regiment, which fought in the war, has established a committee to set up the tentatively named "Great Britain's Korean War Museum" and started fundraising efforts.
The city of Gloucester is apparently interested in the project and agreed to provide administrative support.
Paul James, the leader of Gloucester City Council and City Councillor for Longlevens, told the Chosun Ilbo on Friday last week the City Council and the committee are in talks to secure land for the museum in the old town center that is being redeveloped as a historical and cultural tourist zone.
Britain sent 63,000 troops to the Korean War, second only to the U.S. in the Allied Forces. The Gloucestershire Regiment was one of the main forces in the British Army.
The committee plans to complete the museum by 2013, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and is working towards the goal of raising 2.5 million pounds (W4.5 billion) from the National Lottery and other sources. There are a number of museums in memory of the war in the U.S., Canada, and Australia but once completed, this will be Europe's first.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
ECORSE, MI: War memorial restoration completed
From The News Herald, Ecorse, MI: ECORSE: War memorial restoration completed
ECORSE — The War Memorial at John Dingell Park has been restored via a donation from a Downriver cemetery group nearly three years after a thief stole the bronze plaques that originally adorned it.
The memorial honors those who served in World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars.
John Fenech, superintendent of Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township, and maintenance workers Scott Mayes and Mike Novak designed and sandblasted the new plaques and installed them Oct. 7 at the park, 4495 W. Jefferson Ave.
Fenech, Mayes and Dave Diehl, also of Michigan Memorial, did the final step in installation, caulking the plaques yesterday.
The War Memorial consists of one large central stone about 9 feet tall and 8 feet wide with nine bronze tiles with the names of soldiers from Michigan who died during World War II. Smaller stones, about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide, hold plaques on each side that pay homage to Vietnam and Korean war soldiers.
The plaques on the smaller stones that read “Korea” and “Vietnam” were stolen, along with the plaque beneath the Vietnam header.
Resident Lester Pegouske, a Vietnam War veteran, said he had been asking the City Council to fix the monument since the plaques were stolen, but nothing had been done.
“It’s not about me; it’s about somebody stealing the name of the soldiers who died,” said Pegouske, 70. “I was very aggravated by someone who did that. They probably stole it for scrap.”
Earlier this year, Pegouske said, he paid a company to do it after he had unsuccessfully tried to recruit volunteers and collect donations.
“I believe that someone should take care of these monuments, and nobody was doing it and it was making me mad,” he said.
When he went to the council to get approval, it refused to let him pay for it and Councilwoman Brenda Banks and Chuck Hunter, a former councilman and city clerk, went to Kelly Dwyer, president of Michigan Memorial, and asked for help. Pegouske had his money refunded.
Dwyer said she was more than happy to help, and Fenech, Mayes and Novak agreed to donate the time to do the work.
The new plaque is granite, which Pegouske said is more difficult to read, but Dwyer said it was chosen for a reason.
“We chose to go with granite so there wouldn’t be a chance of someone stealing bronze again to scrap it,” Dwyer said.
Fenech estimated the total cost of labor and granite to be $800 to $1,000. The granite, a certain type called Wausau, alone cost about $500, he said.
Dwyer said it took about three hours to design and sandblast the plaque and another four hours to drive to Ecorse and install it.
“We’re honored to be a part of helping the city of Ecorse with the plaque,” she said. “We think memorialization is very important.”
Fenech, Mayes and Novak had to sand down pieces of bolts left behind the header plaques and the adhesive from all three. The bolts, he said, would have proved difficult to cut when the thief stole them because of the small amount of room left behind the plaque.
Pegouske served one tour in Vietnam, building ammunition dumps as part of the Army’s 5th Special Forces, 101st Infantry, based at Fort Carlson, Colo. He returned home in January 1966 and moved to Ecorse in 1969, where he has lived since.
ECORSE — The War Memorial at John Dingell Park has been restored via a donation from a Downriver cemetery group nearly three years after a thief stole the bronze plaques that originally adorned it.
The memorial honors those who served in World War II and the Vietnam and Korean wars.
John Fenech, superintendent of Michigan Memorial Park in Huron Township, and maintenance workers Scott Mayes and Mike Novak designed and sandblasted the new plaques and installed them Oct. 7 at the park, 4495 W. Jefferson Ave.
Fenech, Mayes and Dave Diehl, also of Michigan Memorial, did the final step in installation, caulking the plaques yesterday.
The War Memorial consists of one large central stone about 9 feet tall and 8 feet wide with nine bronze tiles with the names of soldiers from Michigan who died during World War II. Smaller stones, about 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide, hold plaques on each side that pay homage to Vietnam and Korean war soldiers.
The plaques on the smaller stones that read “Korea” and “Vietnam” were stolen, along with the plaque beneath the Vietnam header.
Resident Lester Pegouske, a Vietnam War veteran, said he had been asking the City Council to fix the monument since the plaques were stolen, but nothing had been done.
“It’s not about me; it’s about somebody stealing the name of the soldiers who died,” said Pegouske, 70. “I was very aggravated by someone who did that. They probably stole it for scrap.”
Earlier this year, Pegouske said, he paid a company to do it after he had unsuccessfully tried to recruit volunteers and collect donations.
“I believe that someone should take care of these monuments, and nobody was doing it and it was making me mad,” he said.
When he went to the council to get approval, it refused to let him pay for it and Councilwoman Brenda Banks and Chuck Hunter, a former councilman and city clerk, went to Kelly Dwyer, president of Michigan Memorial, and asked for help. Pegouske had his money refunded.
Dwyer said she was more than happy to help, and Fenech, Mayes and Novak agreed to donate the time to do the work.
The new plaque is granite, which Pegouske said is more difficult to read, but Dwyer said it was chosen for a reason.
“We chose to go with granite so there wouldn’t be a chance of someone stealing bronze again to scrap it,” Dwyer said.
Fenech estimated the total cost of labor and granite to be $800 to $1,000. The granite, a certain type called Wausau, alone cost about $500, he said.
Dwyer said it took about three hours to design and sandblast the plaque and another four hours to drive to Ecorse and install it.
“We’re honored to be a part of helping the city of Ecorse with the plaque,” she said. “We think memorialization is very important.”
Fenech, Mayes and Novak had to sand down pieces of bolts left behind the header plaques and the adhesive from all three. The bolts, he said, would have proved difficult to cut when the thief stole them because of the small amount of room left behind the plaque.
Pegouske served one tour in Vietnam, building ammunition dumps as part of the Army’s 5th Special Forces, 101st Infantry, based at Fort Carlson, Colo. He returned home in January 1966 and moved to Ecorse in 1969, where he has lived since.
Hopes rise for relatives of missing U.S. servicemen in Korean War
From All Headline News: Hopes rise for relatives of missing U.S. servicemen in Korean War
There was another flicker of hope lighted this week for the relatives of missing Americans in the Korean War as the U.S. Department of Defense restarted negotiations with North Koreans in Bangkok, the Pentagon officials confirmed to journalists.
Confirming that the meeting took place in Bangkok on Tuesday, the Pentagon in an email to the journalists expanded, “We are making arrangements for discussions with the North Korean government to address the many issues associated with how and when to resume remains recovery operations.”
In May 2005, Washington decided to suspend the recovery efforts after expressing concerns over the safety of its search teams and deteriorating relations as North Korea pursued nuclear ambitions.
Asked to comment on the reasons for resuming recovery efforts in North Korea now, the Pentagon said, “DPRK officials contacted the Department of Defense saying that they would look favorably on a request from the United States to discuss remains recovery operations. Because of their overture, we believe our personnel can safely perform these operations in North Korea.”
The United States would not pay the DPRK for any remains recovered, the Pentagon said, “As a longstanding matter of policy, we do not pay for remains.”
The Pentagon, however said that there would be, “associated expenses for which the U.S. is responsible,” listing those as for, “laborers, fuel, food, transportation, water, security.”
“Such expenses are predictable, though costs may vary depending on the locale,” the Pentagon said but did not have a figure to quote, saying, “Since the U.S. has not entered into negotiations with the DPRK, it would be premature to speculate on any numbers.”
Calling the negotiations a DoD issue, Mark Toner, the State Department spokesman told journalists, “There is a State Department official who’s part of that delegation, as is per usual, I don’t have any more to add on that.”
In addition to the State Department official, the negotiation team included representatives from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA (Missing in Action) Accounting Command, the U.S. Pacific Command and the United Nations Command-Korea.
“The Department is actively trying to locate, recover and identify our missing personnel from all past wars from World War II forward,” said the Pentagon, adding, “There are 7,988 U.S. servicemen are still unaccounted for from the Korean War; of which, we estimate 5,500 are missing in North Korea. We had always intended to resume these operations.”
There was another flicker of hope lighted this week for the relatives of missing Americans in the Korean War as the U.S. Department of Defense restarted negotiations with North Koreans in Bangkok, the Pentagon officials confirmed to journalists.
Confirming that the meeting took place in Bangkok on Tuesday, the Pentagon in an email to the journalists expanded, “We are making arrangements for discussions with the North Korean government to address the many issues associated with how and when to resume remains recovery operations.”
In May 2005, Washington decided to suspend the recovery efforts after expressing concerns over the safety of its search teams and deteriorating relations as North Korea pursued nuclear ambitions.
Asked to comment on the reasons for resuming recovery efforts in North Korea now, the Pentagon said, “DPRK officials contacted the Department of Defense saying that they would look favorably on a request from the United States to discuss remains recovery operations. Because of their overture, we believe our personnel can safely perform these operations in North Korea.”
The United States would not pay the DPRK for any remains recovered, the Pentagon said, “As a longstanding matter of policy, we do not pay for remains.”
The Pentagon, however said that there would be, “associated expenses for which the U.S. is responsible,” listing those as for, “laborers, fuel, food, transportation, water, security.”
“Such expenses are predictable, though costs may vary depending on the locale,” the Pentagon said but did not have a figure to quote, saying, “Since the U.S. has not entered into negotiations with the DPRK, it would be premature to speculate on any numbers.”
Calling the negotiations a DoD issue, Mark Toner, the State Department spokesman told journalists, “There is a State Department official who’s part of that delegation, as is per usual, I don’t have any more to add on that.”
In addition to the State Department official, the negotiation team included representatives from the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office, the Joint POW/MIA (Missing in Action) Accounting Command, the U.S. Pacific Command and the United Nations Command-Korea.
“The Department is actively trying to locate, recover and identify our missing personnel from all past wars from World War II forward,” said the Pentagon, adding, “There are 7,988 U.S. servicemen are still unaccounted for from the Korean War; of which, we estimate 5,500 are missing in North Korea. We had always intended to resume these operations.”
Monday, October 17, 2011
Local veteran selected for war-memorial tour
From the Gleaner: Local veteran selected for war-memorial tour
Henderson County’s first Honor Flight veteran will wing off to Washington, D.C., on Saturday [Oct 13] to view some of the country’s most moving monuments.
Donald Keach, 85, was selected to visit the World War II Memorial by the Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter in Louisville because he’s a veteran of World War II. He’ll also get to see the famous monument depicting the U.S. Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima. But it’s the monument to the Korean War that he’s most looking forward to seeing.
He has combat stars from both Germany and Korea. But it was latter conflict that was the hardest on him.
“We was up north, and they ordered us to set up tents to live in, when the Chinese came across the Yalu River and pushed us back. I had one buddy in my platoon who got killed in Korea,” he said, his voice taking on a somber timbre as he spoke of it. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.
“The last thing he said was, ‘Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me.’ A sniper got him. We shot and killed him, but not before he shot my buddy.
“He was from North Carolina and always talking about moonshine running in souped-up cars.”
Keach was born and raised in Baskett and lives there still, but the U.S. Army showed him the world. He enlisted Sept. 22, 1944, and arrived in Germany a little too late to participate in the Battle of the Bulge, in which the Germans made a last-ditch effort to break out of the encircling Allied armies.
“I got there when they crossed the Rhine River” and was part of the occupying troops in Germany. “They had the Germans on the run, really. I came back in ’46. Then I stayed out 16 months and went in again.”
After his Korean War experience, he became a drill sergeant and trained probably tens of thousands of troops at Camp Breckinridge and other stateside forts all over the country.
And, yes, he barked at a lot of green recruits. “You’re supposed to do that,” he said. “That’s instinct, I think.”
In the early 1960s he was stationed in Panama, where his wife and children joined him. “That was good duty,” he said with a chuckle. “The kids could go to swim in the Atlantic in the morning and in the Pacific in the afternoon.”
He left the military in 1966. The Vietnam War was heating up and he had his 20 years in, which let him retire with a full pension. “The reason I got out was the Vietnam thing,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Vietnam. I decided I’d check in my chips and go home.”
His daughter, Jane Baxter, explained that his niece Sonnie Nolan nominated him for Honor Flight. “She put in his name at least a year ago.”
Since it was founded in 2005, Honor Flight’s chapters have provided numerous aging World War II veterans a chance to see the monuments enshrining the freedoms for which they fought.
“To the best of my knowledge, he is the first from Henderson County,” said Brian Duffy, who founded the Bluegrass Chapter in 2008.
About 30 vets are expected to travel on Saturday’s flight out of Louisville. Their day will start before 5:30 a.m. and won’t end until they return to Louisville about 9 p.m.
“It’s a long day for some of these gentlemen,” noted Sharron Hilbrecht, one of the guardians on the flight.
But Keach said he’s up for it. It’s like he owes it to someone. “I’m anxious to see that monument for the Korean War.”
Henderson County’s first Honor Flight veteran will wing off to Washington, D.C., on Saturday [Oct 13] to view some of the country’s most moving monuments.
Donald Keach, 85, was selected to visit the World War II Memorial by the Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter in Louisville because he’s a veteran of World War II. He’ll also get to see the famous monument depicting the U.S. Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima. But it’s the monument to the Korean War that he’s most looking forward to seeing.
He has combat stars from both Germany and Korea. But it was latter conflict that was the hardest on him.
“We was up north, and they ordered us to set up tents to live in, when the Chinese came across the Yalu River and pushed us back. I had one buddy in my platoon who got killed in Korea,” he said, his voice taking on a somber timbre as he spoke of it. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.
“The last thing he said was, ‘Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me.’ A sniper got him. We shot and killed him, but not before he shot my buddy.
“He was from North Carolina and always talking about moonshine running in souped-up cars.”
Keach was born and raised in Baskett and lives there still, but the U.S. Army showed him the world. He enlisted Sept. 22, 1944, and arrived in Germany a little too late to participate in the Battle of the Bulge, in which the Germans made a last-ditch effort to break out of the encircling Allied armies.
“I got there when they crossed the Rhine River” and was part of the occupying troops in Germany. “They had the Germans on the run, really. I came back in ’46. Then I stayed out 16 months and went in again.”
After his Korean War experience, he became a drill sergeant and trained probably tens of thousands of troops at Camp Breckinridge and other stateside forts all over the country.
And, yes, he barked at a lot of green recruits. “You’re supposed to do that,” he said. “That’s instinct, I think.”
In the early 1960s he was stationed in Panama, where his wife and children joined him. “That was good duty,” he said with a chuckle. “The kids could go to swim in the Atlantic in the morning and in the Pacific in the afternoon.”
He left the military in 1966. The Vietnam War was heating up and he had his 20 years in, which let him retire with a full pension. “The reason I got out was the Vietnam thing,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Vietnam. I decided I’d check in my chips and go home.”
His daughter, Jane Baxter, explained that his niece Sonnie Nolan nominated him for Honor Flight. “She put in his name at least a year ago.”
Since it was founded in 2005, Honor Flight’s chapters have provided numerous aging World War II veterans a chance to see the monuments enshrining the freedoms for which they fought.
“To the best of my knowledge, he is the first from Henderson County,” said Brian Duffy, who founded the Bluegrass Chapter in 2008.
About 30 vets are expected to travel on Saturday’s flight out of Louisville. Their day will start before 5:30 a.m. and won’t end until they return to Louisville about 9 p.m.
“It’s a long day for some of these gentlemen,” noted Sharron Hilbrecht, one of the guardians on the flight.
But Keach said he’s up for it. It’s like he owes it to someone. “I’m anxious to see that monument for the Korean War.”
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Woman gets $4 compensation for Korean War killing
From Reuters: Woman gets $4 compensation for Korean War killing
Reuters) - A South Korean woman has been offered a little over $4 in government compensation for the death of her brother during the 1950-53 Korean War, embarrassing officials who say they were bound by an out-dated law.
The woman was two years old when her brother was killed in combat in 1950, but never knew of his existence until told of his death by a neighbor, local media reported, adding the children's mother has suffered from dementia.
The family had not received any compensation until April when the soldier's sister was awarded 5,000 won ($4.33) under a law in effect during the war.
The presidential Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has called the decision "incomprehensible" and urged the government to review it.
"We hope that this case will lead to forming a system of adequately compensating the families of Korean War veterans who continue to live with deep pain," the commission said.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Defense Ministry said a new law was needed to pay more or adjust the sum to incorporate inflation and interest.
Nearly 140,000 South Korean soldiers were killed in combat and as many as 130,000 are missing in action according to the Defense Ministry. ($1 = 1156.100 Korean won)
Reuters) - A South Korean woman has been offered a little over $4 in government compensation for the death of her brother during the 1950-53 Korean War, embarrassing officials who say they were bound by an out-dated law.
The woman was two years old when her brother was killed in combat in 1950, but never knew of his existence until told of his death by a neighbor, local media reported, adding the children's mother has suffered from dementia.
The family had not received any compensation until April when the soldier's sister was awarded 5,000 won ($4.33) under a law in effect during the war.
The presidential Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has called the decision "incomprehensible" and urged the government to review it.
"We hope that this case will lead to forming a system of adequately compensating the families of Korean War veterans who continue to live with deep pain," the commission said.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and the Defense Ministry said a new law was needed to pay more or adjust the sum to incorporate inflation and interest.
Nearly 140,000 South Korean soldiers were killed in combat and as many as 130,000 are missing in action according to the Defense Ministry. ($1 = 1156.100 Korean won)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Medfield’s Veterans’ Plaque Committee Looks to Honor Korean War Veterans
From Medfield Patch: Medfield’s Veterans’ Plaque Committee Looks to Honor Korean War Veterans
ob Maguire, a Medfield Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and Superintendent of Public Schools, had a vision to honor and recognize Medfield’s war veterans with plaques displayed at each of the town’s five schools.
The committee’s first project of restoring and rededicating the World War II veterans’ plaque outside of Dale Street School on May 27, was an overwhelming success met with plenty of support throughout town. As a result, the committee moved forward with Maguire’s vision and set its sights on the next project: A Korean War veterans’ plaque.
“It turned out our fundraising was pretty successful last year and we had some funding left from the original plaque that we did,” Maguire said. “The committee established a goal in the spring after we had got together following the festivities from the World War II one and had a conversation about trying to do a similar plaque for Korea.”
The committee members from the World War II veterans’ plaque project have remained the same and came together again to work on the Korean War plaque to mirror the World War II plaque on the other side of the doorway at Dale Street School. The committee members are Maguire, Nancy Kelly-Lavin, Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffin, veterans Tony Centore and Lee Tredway and town historian Richard DeSorgher.
“We are well on our way to trying to achieve a mirroring plaque on the Dale Street School, on the opposite side of the doorway for Korea,” Maguire said. “A lot of work has already been done by Richard [DeSorgher] and some other members and the Veterans’ Agent to research the names of the people that should go on the plaque.”
The committee has researched the names that should be on the plaque and is obtaining a proposal from a plaque manufacturer. The replacement plaque will be in bronze, 30 x 48 inches and located outside the Dale Street entrance, mirroring the plaque that was erected to honor World War II veterans.
Similar to students’ involvement during the World War II veterans’ plaque unveiling just before Memorial Day, Maguire said holding the ceremony the Thursday before Veterans’ Day will enable students to engage in historical lessons of sacrifice and community in addition to the importance of veterans.
“It will have a nice tie-in to something that is historical,” Maguire said. “It will be something done at [Dale Street School] and probably involve the kids at some level. …The timeframe for when the Korean conflict was going on would’ve [involved] people that were attending Dale then.”
Medfield Legion Beckwith Post 110 Makes Contribution to Korean War Plaque
Medfield American Legion Post Commander Frank Iafolla presented a $500 donation to the Veterans’ Plaque Committee at its September meeting.
“The Post has expressed positive support for this effort and this donation along with many others will enable the planned Korean War Veterans’ plaque to be unveiled on Nov. 10 at the Dale Street School,” Iafolla said. “Legion members took part in the earlier ceremony honoring World War II veterans this past Memorial Day. It was a great day for Medfield veterans.”
Accepting the Legion’s contribution was Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and town Veterans’ Agent, Ron Griffin.
Donations being Accepted for the Korean War Plaque and Future Veterans’ War Plaques
Tax-deductible donations for this project and future projects can be made out to the Medfield Foundation, 459 Main St., Medfield, MA. Please note on the check or enclosure “Veterans Plaque Fund.” Donations can also be dropped off at Lord’s. In addition, the committee hopes all Medfield military veterans will contribute to this important town project.
“We established a vision of moving forward and creating something that would be a similar type of memorial [World War II plaque at Dale Street School] at each one of the schools,” Maguire said.
ob Maguire, a Medfield Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and Superintendent of Public Schools, had a vision to honor and recognize Medfield’s war veterans with plaques displayed at each of the town’s five schools.
The committee’s first project of restoring and rededicating the World War II veterans’ plaque outside of Dale Street School on May 27, was an overwhelming success met with plenty of support throughout town. As a result, the committee moved forward with Maguire’s vision and set its sights on the next project: A Korean War veterans’ plaque.
“It turned out our fundraising was pretty successful last year and we had some funding left from the original plaque that we did,” Maguire said. “The committee established a goal in the spring after we had got together following the festivities from the World War II one and had a conversation about trying to do a similar plaque for Korea.”
The committee members from the World War II veterans’ plaque project have remained the same and came together again to work on the Korean War plaque to mirror the World War II plaque on the other side of the doorway at Dale Street School. The committee members are Maguire, Nancy Kelly-Lavin, Veterans’ Agent Ron Griffin, veterans Tony Centore and Lee Tredway and town historian Richard DeSorgher.
“We are well on our way to trying to achieve a mirroring plaque on the Dale Street School, on the opposite side of the doorway for Korea,” Maguire said. “A lot of work has already been done by Richard [DeSorgher] and some other members and the Veterans’ Agent to research the names of the people that should go on the plaque.”
The committee has researched the names that should be on the plaque and is obtaining a proposal from a plaque manufacturer. The replacement plaque will be in bronze, 30 x 48 inches and located outside the Dale Street entrance, mirroring the plaque that was erected to honor World War II veterans.
Similar to students’ involvement during the World War II veterans’ plaque unveiling just before Memorial Day, Maguire said holding the ceremony the Thursday before Veterans’ Day will enable students to engage in historical lessons of sacrifice and community in addition to the importance of veterans.
“It will have a nice tie-in to something that is historical,” Maguire said. “It will be something done at [Dale Street School] and probably involve the kids at some level. …The timeframe for when the Korean conflict was going on would’ve [involved] people that were attending Dale then.”
Medfield Legion Beckwith Post 110 Makes Contribution to Korean War Plaque
Medfield American Legion Post Commander Frank Iafolla presented a $500 donation to the Veterans’ Plaque Committee at its September meeting.
“The Post has expressed positive support for this effort and this donation along with many others will enable the planned Korean War Veterans’ plaque to be unveiled on Nov. 10 at the Dale Street School,” Iafolla said. “Legion members took part in the earlier ceremony honoring World War II veterans this past Memorial Day. It was a great day for Medfield veterans.”
Accepting the Legion’s contribution was Veterans’ Plaque Committee member and town Veterans’ Agent, Ron Griffin.
Donations being Accepted for the Korean War Plaque and Future Veterans’ War Plaques
Tax-deductible donations for this project and future projects can be made out to the Medfield Foundation, 459 Main St., Medfield, MA. Please note on the check or enclosure “Veterans Plaque Fund.” Donations can also be dropped off at Lord’s. In addition, the committee hopes all Medfield military veterans will contribute to this important town project.
“We established a vision of moving forward and creating something that would be a similar type of memorial [World War II plaque at Dale Street School] at each one of the schools,” Maguire said.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Korean War Veteran Gets Purple Heart After Six-Decade Wai
From Fox News: Korean War Veteran Gets Purple Heart After Six-Decade Wait
For 58 years, no medal or ribbon adorned the chest of Korean War veteran Eugene Bradford.
For 58 years, few knew of the Palo Alto native's heroic actions on July 27, 1953, when he carried a fallen Marine to safety despite being wounded and immediately returned to the front line only to be injured again.
For 58 years, the 77-year-old was simply content to know he had saved a man's life that fateful day on Hill 126.
On Tuesday, however, Bradford found himself in the middle of a Purple Heart ceremony at the VA Menlo Park Community Living Center. It took nearly six decades and a campaign by his equally tenacious sister, Cindy Baxter, but Bradford finally received his first formal accolade.
"We don't do these things for Purple Hearts," Bradford said of his actions on the battlefield. "We do these things because we want to save the man down there. It could've been me. It could've been you."
A love of country, not the possibility of commendations, led Bradford to enlist in the Marines as a Palo Alto High School student. Family members had served in every conflict as far back as the Spanish-American War, his sister said.
"I wanted to get in there and do my part," Bradford said. "I felt it was my turn to get into the war because I am a very patriotic person."
Bradford's job in the war was to keep lines of communication up and running for Howe Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. He was doing just that on July 27, 1953, when his company found itself locked in fierce combat with enemy forces outside Ponbudong.
Bradford heard someone jump into his trench on Hill 126 and found himself face to face with a knife-wielding enemy soldier. After a brief and bloody fight that left his assailant dead, a slightly wounded Bradford lobbed several grenades down the slope and sprinted to the end of the line.
There Bradford spotted, lying in a rice paddy, an unconscious Marine who had been trying to escape his overrun position on neighboring Hill 111. Bradford didn't think twice about charging to the rescue, an action he says probably wasn't wise in hindsight, though not because of the heavy enemy gunfire.
"Never run down a hill," he said matter-of-factly. "If I had tripped, I would've broken every bone in my body."
Bradford was hit in the groin by three pieces of shrapnel as he carried his fellow Marine to safety.
"After that, I took about a half-hour break," joked Bradford, who declined first aid because he wanted to reestablish the communication lines that had been disrupted by the fighting.
For another five hours, Bradford took command of a platoon that had lost its lieutenant in the pitched battle and worked on the communication lines as enemy mortars rained down around him.
"Then the inevitable happened," he recalled. "One of the rounds got too close to me and knocked me out."
Just days later, the war was declared over as Bradford recovered. He stayed in the service, retiring at age 65 with the rank of sergeant.
It wasn't until Baxter was helping Bradford move from Fresno to Menlo Park roughly two years ago that it came to light his combat actions had gone unheralded. Baxter said she was shocked to find no medals among his possessions, just two witness statements from that day along the 38th Parallel.
"He said, 'I didn't get any,' " Baxter said. "I thought that was weird. So, I wanted to find out why."
Baxter contacted Veterans Affairs officials in Fresno, who helped her file the necessary paperwork. About a year later, she said, a box containing about a dozen medals and ribbons arrived on her doorstep. She presented them to her older brother at Tuesday's Purple Heart ceremony, which was arranged with help from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
While he never expected to receive the Purple Heart, let alone any official recognition, Bradford said it is a reminder of why he fought to keep communism from consuming the entire Korean peninsula. The medal is only awarded to members of the armed forces injured by an enemy in combat.
"This is a good example of how freedom is not free," he said. "Any sane person hates war, but at times to be free you've got to fight for it."
For 58 years, no medal or ribbon adorned the chest of Korean War veteran Eugene Bradford.
For 58 years, few knew of the Palo Alto native's heroic actions on July 27, 1953, when he carried a fallen Marine to safety despite being wounded and immediately returned to the front line only to be injured again.
For 58 years, the 77-year-old was simply content to know he had saved a man's life that fateful day on Hill 126.
On Tuesday, however, Bradford found himself in the middle of a Purple Heart ceremony at the VA Menlo Park Community Living Center. It took nearly six decades and a campaign by his equally tenacious sister, Cindy Baxter, but Bradford finally received his first formal accolade.
"We don't do these things for Purple Hearts," Bradford said of his actions on the battlefield. "We do these things because we want to save the man down there. It could've been me. It could've been you."
A love of country, not the possibility of commendations, led Bradford to enlist in the Marines as a Palo Alto High School student. Family members had served in every conflict as far back as the Spanish-American War, his sister said.
"I wanted to get in there and do my part," Bradford said. "I felt it was my turn to get into the war because I am a very patriotic person."
Bradford's job in the war was to keep lines of communication up and running for Howe Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. He was doing just that on July 27, 1953, when his company found itself locked in fierce combat with enemy forces outside Ponbudong.
Bradford heard someone jump into his trench on Hill 126 and found himself face to face with a knife-wielding enemy soldier. After a brief and bloody fight that left his assailant dead, a slightly wounded Bradford lobbed several grenades down the slope and sprinted to the end of the line.
There Bradford spotted, lying in a rice paddy, an unconscious Marine who had been trying to escape his overrun position on neighboring Hill 111. Bradford didn't think twice about charging to the rescue, an action he says probably wasn't wise in hindsight, though not because of the heavy enemy gunfire.
"Never run down a hill," he said matter-of-factly. "If I had tripped, I would've broken every bone in my body."
Bradford was hit in the groin by three pieces of shrapnel as he carried his fellow Marine to safety.
"After that, I took about a half-hour break," joked Bradford, who declined first aid because he wanted to reestablish the communication lines that had been disrupted by the fighting.
For another five hours, Bradford took command of a platoon that had lost its lieutenant in the pitched battle and worked on the communication lines as enemy mortars rained down around him.
"Then the inevitable happened," he recalled. "One of the rounds got too close to me and knocked me out."
Just days later, the war was declared over as Bradford recovered. He stayed in the service, retiring at age 65 with the rank of sergeant.
It wasn't until Baxter was helping Bradford move from Fresno to Menlo Park roughly two years ago that it came to light his combat actions had gone unheralded. Baxter said she was shocked to find no medals among his possessions, just two witness statements from that day along the 38th Parallel.
"He said, 'I didn't get any,' " Baxter said. "I thought that was weird. So, I wanted to find out why."
Baxter contacted Veterans Affairs officials in Fresno, who helped her file the necessary paperwork. About a year later, she said, a box containing about a dozen medals and ribbons arrived on her doorstep. She presented them to her older brother at Tuesday's Purple Heart ceremony, which was arranged with help from the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
While he never expected to receive the Purple Heart, let alone any official recognition, Bradford said it is a reminder of why he fought to keep communism from consuming the entire Korean peninsula. The medal is only awarded to members of the armed forces injured by an enemy in combat.
"This is a good example of how freedom is not free," he said. "Any sane person hates war, but at times to be free you've got to fight for it."
Saturday, October 8, 2011
On travel til Wednesday
I'm visiting elderly relatives in Box Elder, SD who do not have internet.
Will try to sneak out now and again to an internet cafe to post, but more than likely will not be posting until Wedneday.
Will try to sneak out now and again to an internet cafe to post, but more than likely will not be posting until Wedneday.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Proposal for wall at Korean War memorial runs into opposition
From Los Angeles Times, Nation Now: Proposal for wall at Korean War memorial runs into opposition
The idea seems simple enough: Erect a wall at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. -- similar to the famous wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial -- to call greater attention to what is often called the forgotten war.
But it's touched off a battle on Capitol Hill.
"The Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1995, and many veterans feel that while it is extraordinarily moving, the magnitude of their sacrifice is not yet adequately conveyed by the memorial," Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Texas) said in a letter to colleagues seeking support for his bill to authorize a Wall of Remembrance at the Korean War memorial.
But the Interior Department came out against the legislation Tuesday, expressing concern that a wall listing the names of Americans killed in the Korean War could generate public controversy.
"As the Vietnam Veterans Memorial experience showed, there is not always agreement on those names to be included and those names that are not, and this has led to public contention and controversy," Stephen E. Whitesell, director of the National Park Service's capital region, told the House subcommittee on national parks, forests and public lands.
The Korean War memorial near the Lincoln Memorial features 19 seven-foot-tall stainless steel soldiers in windblown ponchos on patrol by a mural etched with images of faces from the war and a reflecting "Pool of Remembrance."
The legislation would authorize a 7- to 8-foot-high glass wall, funded by private contributions, that would list the names of Americans killed in action; the number of Americans wounded, missing in action and prisoners of war; and the number of South Koreans and military forces from other U.N. nations killed, wounded, missing in action or prisoners or war.
"It is in the tradition of our people to honor our dead from our conflicts where such is feasible," retired Army Col. William E. Weber, chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, told the House subcommittee on national parks, forests and public lands. "By naming them on the memorials we erect in our hamlets, towns and cities, we ensure they will not be forgotten."
Whitesell said that a wall was considered when the Korean War memorial was being designed but was rejected because of problems that have been encountered with the wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
"Choosing some names and omitting others causes a place of solace to become a source of hurt. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors all who served in that conflict, but only the names of the 58,272 killed within the combat zone are engraved on the wall,'' he said in written testimony. "This meant that those killed by a fire on a Navy ship just outside the zone were not eligible to have their names engraved on the wall -- a difficult message for their survivors to accept."
Whitesell also said that a new wall would be a "second Korean War Veterans Memorial" and "would significantly alter the character of the existing memorial.'"
But William P. Lecky, a board member of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and an architect with the firm that worked on the design of the Korean and Vietnam war memorials, said in written testimony: "Our hope is that the wall will draw people into the plaza so they can realize the intensity of the impact and the degree of sacrifice of one of the bloodiest conflicts in our nation’s history. Our belief is that this will add major enrichment and a depth of understanding to the message of this memorial without impacting the strength and beauty of that which exists on the site today.''
Hall's legislation enjoys bipartisan support, boosting its prospects for House approval.
Remains of Korean War soldier identified
From CNN US: Remains of Korean War soldier identified
(CNN) -- The remains of a U.S. soldier missing in action in the Korean War have been identified, the Department of Defense's POW/Missing Personnel Office said Wednesday.
Army Cpl. Edward M. Pedregon of El Paso, Texas, will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, the office said in a statement. A memorial service for him was held on Saturday in San Elizario, Texas.
In late November 1950, Pedregon and the Heavy Mortar Company of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, known as Task Force Faith, "were overrun by Chinese forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea," the department said. After several days of heavy fighting, the task force was forced to withdraw, but was stopped by enemy blockades on December 2, 1950. Pedregon was reported missing in action on November 30, 1950, officials said.
"In 1953, following the exchange of all prisoners of war by both sides of the conflict, no further information was gained to indicate that Pedregon had been held as a prisoner of war, and he was declared dead," the Department of Defense said.
In 2004, a joint U.S.-Korean team excavated sites near the Chosin Reservoir and recovered the remains of at least nine people, along with military equipment, the office said. "The location of the remains corresponds to the positions temporarily held by elements of Task Force Faith in late November 1950," the department said.
Scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used dental records and mitochondrial DNA from Pedregon's mother and brother to identify his remains.
Pedregon's remains returned to a hero's welcome on Saturday, according to the El Paso Times newspaper. Three hundred cadets from several towns and 50 veterans from San Elizario lined the town's main street to honor him, and more than 100 members of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club escorted a hearse carrying his remains to a chapel where Pedregon had been baptized. About 700 people attended his memorial.
The newspaper, which identified Pedregon as Eduardo Pedregon, said he was often called "Lalo" or "El Alacran." His remains were identified in March, according to the newspaper.
"It was a real surprise when we heard that they had found him," Pedregon's sister Lucille Gonzalez told the El Paso Times. "We were so close. The three of us -- it was always Bobby, Lalo and me."
Pedregon was 17 when he enlisted, the newspaper reported. His mother, Juana, signed the papers so he could serve.
"My mother passed away in 2003, and if she were here today, she would probably say, 'My beloved son, the image of your face was always in my heart,' " said Pedregon's sister Violeta Carrillo.
Family members said Juana Pedregon never stopped believing her son would return.
"Before my mother passed away, she would always say, 'He'll be back. He'll be back,' " Gonzalez told the newspaper. "And the important thing is that now, he's here."
(CNN) -- The remains of a U.S. soldier missing in action in the Korean War have been identified, the Department of Defense's POW/Missing Personnel Office said Wednesday.
Army Cpl. Edward M. Pedregon of El Paso, Texas, will be buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, the office said in a statement. A memorial service for him was held on Saturday in San Elizario, Texas.
In late November 1950, Pedregon and the Heavy Mortar Company of the 31st Regimental Combat Team, known as Task Force Faith, "were overrun by Chinese forces near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea," the department said. After several days of heavy fighting, the task force was forced to withdraw, but was stopped by enemy blockades on December 2, 1950. Pedregon was reported missing in action on November 30, 1950, officials said.
"In 1953, following the exchange of all prisoners of war by both sides of the conflict, no further information was gained to indicate that Pedregon had been held as a prisoner of war, and he was declared dead," the Department of Defense said.
In 2004, a joint U.S.-Korean team excavated sites near the Chosin Reservoir and recovered the remains of at least nine people, along with military equipment, the office said. "The location of the remains corresponds to the positions temporarily held by elements of Task Force Faith in late November 1950," the department said.
Scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used dental records and mitochondrial DNA from Pedregon's mother and brother to identify his remains.
Pedregon's remains returned to a hero's welcome on Saturday, according to the El Paso Times newspaper. Three hundred cadets from several towns and 50 veterans from San Elizario lined the town's main street to honor him, and more than 100 members of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club escorted a hearse carrying his remains to a chapel where Pedregon had been baptized. About 700 people attended his memorial.
The newspaper, which identified Pedregon as Eduardo Pedregon, said he was often called "Lalo" or "El Alacran." His remains were identified in March, according to the newspaper.
"It was a real surprise when we heard that they had found him," Pedregon's sister Lucille Gonzalez told the El Paso Times. "We were so close. The three of us -- it was always Bobby, Lalo and me."
Pedregon was 17 when he enlisted, the newspaper reported. His mother, Juana, signed the papers so he could serve.
"My mother passed away in 2003, and if she were here today, she would probably say, 'My beloved son, the image of your face was always in my heart,' " said Pedregon's sister Violeta Carrillo.
Family members said Juana Pedregon never stopped believing her son would return.
"Before my mother passed away, she would always say, 'He'll be back. He'll be back,' " Gonzalez told the newspaper. "And the important thing is that now, he's here."
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Missouri remembers Korean War vets
From NWMissourian: Missouri remembers Korean War vets
Missouri's first Korean War memorial opened Sept. 28 at the corner of Pershing and Main streets in Kansas City, Mo. James Shultz, a veteran himself, first dreamed up the idea of a Korean War memorial in Kansas City, Mo. He died last year at age 79.
Shultz never got to see his idea become reality. Even so, this memorial is a big step in remembering the forgotten conflict in Korea. Washington D.C. didn't have a memorial for Korean veterans until 1995, 41 years after the war's end.
It amazes me that it took so long for these brave men to be honored with a national monument for their service. The war in Korea ended in 1954. Why did it take 41 years for America to formally remember those who fought and died there?
The war in Korea began five years after World War II ended. Why, then do Americans know so little about our involvement in Korea? Barring M.A.S.H., a sitcom of the ‘70s and ‘80s, most Americans have little to no knowledge of the "conflict" in Korea. I remember talking about the war for the first time in high school and it didn't get nearly as much attention as the conflict in Vietnam.
Vietnam was extraordinarily unpopular with Americans of the time, yet a wall with the names of all the casualties was dedicated in 1982, just eight years after the war's end. Why has America all but forgotten the men who died in Korea?
Every other major war fought in the last century got its respective memoriam to the soldiers who laid down their lives for freedom within 20 years of the war's end.
Of all the wars taught in school, the World War II got the most attention. Why, then, did the soldiers who fought and died over there not get their memorial in Washington D.C. until 2004, almost 60 years after the war's end?
It seems like Americans as a whole are forgetting what it means to be American. We are so used to being the land of the free that we seem to have forgotten the sacrifices so many men and women have made to keep America that way. Instead of protesting the current situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, we need to give our thanks to the wounded, fallen and those still serving in our military. Or how about this idea: protesting the wars is okay as long as you aren't disrespecting the men and women who have given it all up for freedom.
Let's make sure our soldiers and veterans know they are appreciated. We should make it a point to thank them, including the ROTC students of Northwest, for risking their lives for our freedom.
Missouri's first Korean War memorial opened Sept. 28 at the corner of Pershing and Main streets in Kansas City, Mo. James Shultz, a veteran himself, first dreamed up the idea of a Korean War memorial in Kansas City, Mo. He died last year at age 79.
Shultz never got to see his idea become reality. Even so, this memorial is a big step in remembering the forgotten conflict in Korea. Washington D.C. didn't have a memorial for Korean veterans until 1995, 41 years after the war's end.
It amazes me that it took so long for these brave men to be honored with a national monument for their service. The war in Korea ended in 1954. Why did it take 41 years for America to formally remember those who fought and died there?
The war in Korea began five years after World War II ended. Why, then do Americans know so little about our involvement in Korea? Barring M.A.S.H., a sitcom of the ‘70s and ‘80s, most Americans have little to no knowledge of the "conflict" in Korea. I remember talking about the war for the first time in high school and it didn't get nearly as much attention as the conflict in Vietnam.
Vietnam was extraordinarily unpopular with Americans of the time, yet a wall with the names of all the casualties was dedicated in 1982, just eight years after the war's end. Why has America all but forgotten the men who died in Korea?
Every other major war fought in the last century got its respective memoriam to the soldiers who laid down their lives for freedom within 20 years of the war's end.
Of all the wars taught in school, the World War II got the most attention. Why, then, did the soldiers who fought and died over there not get their memorial in Washington D.C. until 2004, almost 60 years after the war's end?
It seems like Americans as a whole are forgetting what it means to be American. We are so used to being the land of the free that we seem to have forgotten the sacrifices so many men and women have made to keep America that way. Instead of protesting the current situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, we need to give our thanks to the wounded, fallen and those still serving in our military. Or how about this idea: protesting the wars is okay as long as you aren't disrespecting the men and women who have given it all up for freedom.
Let's make sure our soldiers and veterans know they are appreciated. We should make it a point to thank them, including the ROTC students of Northwest, for risking their lives for our freedom.
Monday, October 3, 2011
POW/MIAs remembered
HelenaAir.com: POW/MIAs remembered
Since World War II, 55 Montanans went abroad fighting for America and never returned, alive or dead.
Some local veterans are making sure those former prisoners of war and troops missing in action are not forgotten, and they took a moment to read all 55 names aloud Friday in Memorial Park, marking National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Since Ray Read began exploring the subject 32 years ago, five of the missing have returned, most recently a Vietnam veteran who returned to Billings for proper burial a year ago.
“If we keep these names floating through the ether, someone will think of them and maybe we’ll get one of them back,” said Read, a retired colonel who served in the Special Forces in Vietnam, and is now director of the Montana Military Museum.
Read, along with retired Gen. Gene Prendergast and Jim Heffernan, a Marine and Coast Guard veteran who served in Korea and has been active in veterans issues for decades, also read the POW’s prayer and a proclamation related to the day.
They conducted the short ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park, where the names of those from Lewis and Clark County who died in wars are etched, including the names of five who died in Iraq.
Read has conducted plenty of research on the missing. Only one of the 55 has had a reported sighting: U.S. Navy pilot Lt. j.g. Lee E. Nordahl of Choteau went down in what was then North Vietnam in 1965.
“We actually have pictures of him in prison,” Read said.
The memorial site also has plenty of meaning. In addition to the names and the flags of the service branches — plus the POW/MIA flag — the stars and stripes wave from a flagpole removed from Fort Harrison. The group plans a ceremony in November to mark the fifth anniversary of the memorial’s renovation.
“This is a solemn and sacred site,” said Prendergast.
More than 78,000 Americans who fought in World War II met an unknown fate; more than 8,000 are missing from the Korean War, 120 from the Cold War, 1,737 from the Vietnam War, two from Desert Storm and one from the current global war on terror.
Since World War II, 55 Montanans went abroad fighting for America and never returned, alive or dead.
Some local veterans are making sure those former prisoners of war and troops missing in action are not forgotten, and they took a moment to read all 55 names aloud Friday in Memorial Park, marking National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Since Ray Read began exploring the subject 32 years ago, five of the missing have returned, most recently a Vietnam veteran who returned to Billings for proper burial a year ago.
“If we keep these names floating through the ether, someone will think of them and maybe we’ll get one of them back,” said Read, a retired colonel who served in the Special Forces in Vietnam, and is now director of the Montana Military Museum.
Read, along with retired Gen. Gene Prendergast and Jim Heffernan, a Marine and Coast Guard veteran who served in Korea and has been active in veterans issues for decades, also read the POW’s prayer and a proclamation related to the day.
They conducted the short ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park, where the names of those from Lewis and Clark County who died in wars are etched, including the names of five who died in Iraq.
Read has conducted plenty of research on the missing. Only one of the 55 has had a reported sighting: U.S. Navy pilot Lt. j.g. Lee E. Nordahl of Choteau went down in what was then North Vietnam in 1965.
“We actually have pictures of him in prison,” Read said.
The memorial site also has plenty of meaning. In addition to the names and the flags of the service branches — plus the POW/MIA flag — the stars and stripes wave from a flagpole removed from Fort Harrison. The group plans a ceremony in November to mark the fifth anniversary of the memorial’s renovation.
“This is a solemn and sacred site,” said Prendergast.
More than 78,000 Americans who fought in World War II met an unknown fate; more than 8,000 are missing from the Korean War, 120 from the Cold War, 1,737 from the Vietnam War, two from Desert Storm and one from the current global war on terror.
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