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| Wilson Thanks Korean War Veterans |
July 07, 2004 |
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| Presents Medals to More than 60 Who Served
Albuquerque - It`s sometimes called the "Forgotten War," but it`s not forgotten to those who fought to keep Korea free.
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 today - recognition by the country that they fought to keep free.
Congresswoman Heather Wilson was privileged to present more than 60 Korean War veterans from New Mexico with the Korean War Service Medal at a ceremony today at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
"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."
The Korean War Service Medal is an effort by the Republic of Korea to honor American veterans of the Korean War. The medal is bronze in color and shaped as artillery shells crossed to form an "X." Above the shells is the state of Korea, and on the back the words "For the defense of Korea." The ribbon is a yellow band in the center with narrow bands of red, white and light blue on the sides.
Eligible veterans served between June 25, 1950, when hostilities broke out, to the armistice July 27, 1953; were on assignment for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; and served within the territorial limits of Korea, Korean waters or in flight over Korea in combat or support of combat operations.
For a listing of veterans who received medals, please contact Joel Hannahs (202) 744-8550.
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