In November 1950 this 18 year old Marine landed in Pusan, Korea. He ended up at the Chosin Reservoir fighting the Chinese. Not many people have heard of the battle at the Chosin but it was one of the coldest wars fought by American troops (the coldest was when George Washington crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War) then for the better part of two weeks they were trapped in weather that was 40 degrees below zero. Remember, they had not discovered Gortex at that point in time, these guys wore wool coats, hat, gloves (if they were lucky) and regular work boots. Korea is often referred to as the Forgotten War. Let us never forget what these men gave up for our freedom!
Ron was lucky! He has some frost bite but is other wise pretty healthy and he has the pleasure of the company of some of the cutest girls around......our Granddaughters. Here he is pictured with one, Ashley.
Last Tuesday, we spent the morning with Ash and her Dad, son Dean, at the Evergreen Air Museum in McMinnville, OR. where they were honoring veterans of all wars. Students from Ashley's school and four other high schools were in attendance to hear stories from World War II survivors of the Bataan Death March. I've seen documentaries on TV about the Death March but to hear the first hand stories of brutality and the will to survive from these men was very powerful!
Thank a Veteran today for his service!
5 comments:
All I can say is "Amen" - Let no one be forgotten! I hope you will tell Ron a huge "Thank you" from me, even though I am a complete stranger.
A friend of mine was at the Evergreen Air Museum for the service there. When she told me about it, she burst into tears. I would have loved to go, but it was too close to the loss of MY favorite veteran - my dad (who was a POW in WWII and went on one of those "death marches", though not Bataan.). Maybe next year I will be able to attend.
Here in Canada, we remember! ;)
Thank you for mentioning Korea...I do agree that it tends to be the forgotten war. My uncle died there in 1950 at 19 yrs old. You are right...Ron is one of the lucky ones. Thank him for his service.
Wonderful post! I cannot imagine what the troops had to endure. We are blessed by their Service to our country.
Yes, thanks for mentioning Korea. Brent's Dad served in that war and it is too often forgotten. Thanks to Ron for keeping our country safe.
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