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| Wilson Thanks Veterans & Presents Medals |
December 20, 2004 |
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| A Soldier’s Day of Sacrifice Honored After a Half-Century
Albuquerque – On his first day of service in Korea, Private Alberto Sandoval was killed in the fighting.
Congresswoman Heather Wilson today was privileged to present the Korean War Service Medal to Sandoval’s brother, Corporal Daniel Gallegos, on Sandoval’s behalf. Gallegos also served in Korea and also received a medal today.
Gallegos applied for the medal on behalf of his older brother after hearing about the medal from another veteran. Shortly after his arrival in Korea, Sandoval’s unit was struck by enemy fire and sustained heavy losses. Sandoval, 25, was killed on July 27, 1950. He was buried in Colorado and is survived by two daughters.
Gallegos said that going into action, as his brother did, almost immediately upon arrival on the Korean peninsula was not unusual. Weapons were issued in Japan and troops landed combat-ready.
Each veteran has a unique story of service and each one answered their nation’s call. At a ceremony at the Galleria in Albuquerque, Rep. Wilson today honored several Albuquerque area veterans of the Korean War and thanked them for their service.
“You answered your country’s call in a time of war, and I’m privileged to recognize your service,” Wilson said. “Today, millions enjoy the freedom that you fought to win.”
Receiving the Korean War Service Medal were Seaman Paul Arellanes, Navy; Airman First Class Louis E. Erne, Air Force; Pfc. Horacio Garcia, Army; Corporal Daniel Gallegos, Army; and Private Alberto Sandoval, Army (posthumous).
Rep. Wilson also presented Sergeant Esequiel Gonzales, Jr., Army, with a flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol to honor his retirement and service.
Veterans looking for information on medals and veterans issues can learn more at http://wilson.house.gov.
About the Medal
The Korean War Service Medal was initially offered in 1951 by the Republic of Korea to forces serving in Korea and adjacent waters. At the time, U.S. law prohibited members of the military from wearing medals issued by foreign governments, and they were never issued. That law was changed in 1954, after the return of most of the service members. More than a half-century later, these veterans are receiving these distinctive medals.
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