Veterans of the Forgotten War Recieve Honors

From KCRG:  Veterans of the Forgotten War Recieve Honors

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa-- It was over 60 years ago that many men and women joined the military forces in order to help with a country struggling with poverty and war.

But the Forgotten War was not forgotten today in Cedar Falls as over 320 Iowa veterans received peace medals for serving during the Korean war.

The room was full of memories and remorse for those who served their country in the Korean War.

"We lost a lot of them over there, I can't remember the exact number but I think we lost 8,000 that were never identified. " Said Sid Morris, Korean War Veterans Association.

A country struggling with poverty, freedom and war in the 1950's, brought back to prosperity with the help of the United States.
"I learned it was not a good p-lace to be, I felt sorry for the South Korean people…they took a lot of abuse over the war." Said Donald Ackman, South Korean War Veteran.

More than 320 Iowa Veterans received a peace medal for their efforts through this war.

"Really honored, It's a great honor to be honored by somebody, that doesn't come easy being a Marine. " Said Ackman.

Donald Ackman was 23 years old when he went to South Korea to fight for his countries freedom as a member of the Marine Corps.
"I was a radio operator, jeep driver, whatever the officer told me to do, I would do that." Said Ackman.

A time in his life Ackman will never forget will now be remembered with a new Peace Medal.

The Peace Medal Presentation was sponsored by the Consulate of Korea in Chicago, UNI, Korean War Veterans Association, The Korean American Society of Iowa and Midland Korean Southern Baptist Fellowship.