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| Wilson Thanks Korean War Veterans |
July 07, 2004 |
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 On June 5, 1950, the Democratic Peoples` Republic of Korea (North) sent 135,000 men into the Republic of Korea (South). America and the United Nations quickly responded and over the next 3 years our soldiers fought along side the South Koreans defending their freedom. The war, often referred to as “the forgotten war”, ended on July 27th, 1953 when the United States, North Korea, and China signed an armistice. Permanent peace has never been established and to this day North and South Korea have not signed a peace treaty.
For Wayne Suckow, now 71, it`s a memory of being 19 years old and serving on the USS Bashau, a World War II-era submarine, facing his first depth charges with no warning. During those tense moments the lights went out, leaks started and dim emergency lights came on.
For Alex Acosta, 73, an 18-year-old when he started serving, the memories include the heat as he worked the 40 mm anti-aircraft gun on a destroyer escort.
Joseph Chavez saw the land war in Korea through the eyes of a company commander. He retired as an Army colonel, having begun a military career in the Navy in World War II and later serving through the Vietnam War.
Whether serving on land, in the air or on water, each has a different memory and a different story of the war, but each received the same honor June 30th, 2004 - recognition by the country that they fought to keep free. Heather awarded over 60 Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medals to New Mexicans who fought in the war.
"Your dedication to the cause of freedom is not forgotten," Wilson said. "I`m honored to recognize your service and sacrifice today. Because of your service, millions of Koreans still live in freedom."
Heather pins the Korean War Service Medal on Dionicio Ortiz
The ROK desired to give the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal (ROK-KWSM) to the United Nations forces who fought and died in the war. They initially made the request 1951, but U.S. law at the time prohibited U.S. military personnel from wear medals given by foreign governments. The law was changed in 1954, but most of the soldiers had already returned home. The ROK renewed the request in 1998 and the Department of Defense approved the medal in 1999. Approximately 1.8 million U.S. veterans who served in Korea between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953 qualify to receive the medal.
By Scott Griffin
Scott Griffin is studying Computer Science at the University of New Mexico. He is working as an intern during the summer semester in Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s Albuquerque office. He hopes to attend to law school after his undergraduate studies are finished.
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