SCOOBA — Fourteen Mississippi veterans who supported U.S. efforts during the Korean War were presented with the Ambassador for Peace Medal by Republic of Korea Consul General Hyung Gil Kim during a ceremony Dec. 11 at East Mississippi Community College.
The veterans, members of their families and officials from EMCC and the consul general of the Republic of Korea in Houston attended the event held adjacent to the college’s Korean War Memorial.
Kim, the Republic of Korea’s youngest consul general, told the veterans he would not be standing before them had it not been for the sacrifices made by them and their fellow servicemen on behalf his country.
“My generation has not experienced war thanks to these veterans who came to Korea to defend my country against communist invasion,” Kim said. ” … The Korean War veterans are my heroes. Thank you.”
Cody Perkins, outreach coordinator for the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board, said he was contacted by the office of the consul general and asked to help coordinate the event.
“To my surprise, the only monument erected specifically to Korean War veterans in the state of Mississippi is right here at my alma mater of EMCC,” Perkins said. ” … Today is a very special event because we are honoring and showing appreciation for some of our veterans who are not only ensured the freedoms off our nation during the Cold War but also the freedoms and liberties of South Korea during the Cold War.
EMCC President Dr. Thomas Huebner said he is humbled and honored that the college was chosen as the site for the event to honor the veterans.
“I can’t begin to thank you enough for what you were willing to do for the United States of America, for the people of Korea, for my family and for everyone standing here today,” Huebner told the veterans. “A heartfelt thank you to each one of the men sitting in front of me today.”
According to figures compiled by the Pentagon, 33,651 U.S. service members died in battle during the Korean War, with another 3,262 non-battle casualties in the war that erupted June 25, 1950. The war lasted until July 1953. The country remains divided, with about 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent against North Korean aggression.
Lasting effects
During the ceremony, Huebner and Kim placed a wreath in front of the Korean War memorial. Kim then presented the veterans with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal, which is granted in appreciation to those who served in the Korean War.
Kim said due to the U.S. efforts, South Korea has “transformed itself into an economic powerhouse.”
“We are America’s sixth largest trading partner and the world’s 11th largest economy,” Kim said. ” … Meanwhile North Korea has gone down a misguided road. … Its economy remains stagnant. This stark contrast gives meaning to what you fought for. … Without your valor, courage and sacrifice, South Korea’s miracle would not have happened.”
Mississippi veterans honored included Ed “Hoot” Gipson of Meridian; Charles “Chuck” Fowler of Oxford; Billy Whitaker of Meridian; Billy Joe “BJ” Jordan of Oxford; Robert Leo of Meridian; Homer C. Birdsong Jr. of Meridian; Larry Vander-Meulen of Brandon; George Chafin of Starkville; Jimmie Walker of Carthage; Ike Hopper of Porterville; John W. Espey of Meridian; Jacob “Jack” Moorman of Oxford; Antoine Otto of Ridgeland; and Henry F. Boswell Jr. of Meridian.
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