As part of the statewide effort to recognize North Carolina service members and their families who fought in or supported the “forgotten war,” the Korean War Commemoration Committee and the Department of Defense are scheduled to launch “The Year of the Korean War Veteran,” June 25, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.
The project is being led by the N.C. Division of Veteran Affairs, an organization that serves as an advocate for veterans and their families offering assistance through the network of District and County Veterans Services Offices.
“More than 177,000 North Carolina citizens served in Korea between June 27, 1950, and Jan. 31, 1955,” Gov. Bev Perdue said in a recent press release. “We believe that more than 72,000 of these veterans are still living in North Carolina today, and many more have descendants who make their home here. I ask that everyone pitch in to help us provide formal appreciation of their service and sacrifice.”
NCDVA Assistant Secretary Tim Wipperman has placed a link on the division website, Doa.nc.gov/vets/KoreanWarForm.aspx, to provide a certificate of appreciation signed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to all Korean War veterans and the family members who supported them.
“This may be one of our last chances to recognize the contributions of those who began the successful struggle to stem the tide of communism,” said Wipperman.
No documentation is necessary and the form can be filled out and submitted online by the veteran, family member or a friend. Requests for certificates may also be downloaded and mailed to Korean War Veterans Certificate, N.C. Division of Veterans Affairs, 1315 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1315.
According to NCDVA, North Carolina recorded 968 deaths in service during the conflict, of which 784 were battle deaths. An additional 2,272 service members were wounded; 109 were taken as prisoners of war, and 204 were designated as missing in action.
In addition to the certificate of appreciation, the DOD encourages any Korean War veteran who would like to share his or her story with the Korean War Commemoration Committee’s oral history project to visit Koreanwar.defense.gov or call 703-545-0522.
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