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Korean War veterans finally receive the recognition they deserve


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Washington, Jun 28 -

Korean War veterans finally receive the recognition they deserve

by U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson

June 2008

Contact: McCall Avery 202-225-4201

 

 

Imagine coming home from a bloody and brutal war only to learn that your country did not acknowledge your service.  That’s more or less what happened to the estimated 5 million valiant men and women who served in the Korean War. 

 

The Forgotten War

Some have called the Korean War the “Forgotten War.”   The conflict fell between the end of World War II and the start of Vietnam.  Spanning from 1950 to 1953, the Korean War represented America’s first efforts to thwart the growth of Communist rule in Asia.

 

North Korea had the backing from the Soviet Union and the military support of China.  The United States fought with the United Nations to preserve freedom for South Korea. 

While the Armistice in 1953 signaled a formal end to the feud, many would argue that the battle continues along the present demilitarized zone and that North Korea’s Kim Jong-il remains a serious threat to the region and the world. 

 

Although the border remained the same as before the war, the 38th parallel took an exacting toll on American forces.   In just three years about 52,000 service members died and over 100,000 service members were wounded.   Statistically speaking, Korea was far bloodier than Vietnam, when 58,000 paid the ultimate price for their country - over a much longer period.

 

Thanks and recognition 55 years later

This July marks the 55th anniversary of the Armistice of the Korean War.  Yet, 55 years later the veterans of this bitter conflict still did not have the national mark of a distinction of a federal charter - until now. 

The President is about to sign into law long-overdue legislation to create a federal charter for the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA).  The new designation will allow the KWVA to secure accreditation from the Veterans Affairs Department so its members can help veterans with their disability claims.  Granting a national charter to the Korean War veterans will put them in the same echelon as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.  A federal charter truly is a mark of distinction. 

 

Ed Buckman, a naval carrier electronics crewman in the Korean War, said it best, “After I got back, I never said the word 'Korea' for 40 years,”  For about the last decade Ed sought connections with other Korean War veterans and he has become a leading vocal advocate for this group of amazing former servicemen and women.

 

In fact, Buckman founded the Sam Johnson Korean War Veterans group – Chapter 270 - in North Texas.  Buckman told a local newspaper that it wasn’t until he rode in a parade honoring veterans in New York City in 2000 that he finally felt gratitude for his service.  “When I went to this parade with 25,000 marchers, they put me on the front float, and there were a million people saying, ‘Thank you.’…No one had ever thanked me for my service in Korea before.  It made me feel proud.”

 

As a Korean War veteran who flew 62 combat missions, it brought me great pleasure to work with the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) to ensure that our Korean War veterans finally receive the long-overdue thanks they deserve.    

 

Ed Buckman deserves special thanks for bringing the importance of a national charter to my attention. Because of his perseverance I have fought the last several years to secure this federal affiliation.  Ed Buckman’s crusade on behalf of the Korean War veterans has paid off. 

 

To the esteemed Korean War veterans, like Ed Buckman, your country and your Congress say, “Thank you.”   You are not forgotten.  We honor you and we appreciate you.  God bless you and God bless America.  

                                                                 # # #

 

Editor’s note: Sam Johnson flew 62 combat missions in his F-86, Shirley’s Texas Tornado, in the Korean War.  He now represents the Third Congressional District of Texas, which includes portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.

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