As the Korean War Armistice was on July 27, 2023, American Legion LeBron Post 58 in Guthrie, Okla., recognized U.S. veterans who served boots on the ground during the Korean War.
Post 58 teamed up with the Korean American Association to recognize and present the Ambassador for Peace Medal to U.S. veterans who served in the Korean War. The recognition ceremony and Korean luncheon took place on July 22 at Post 58. Legionnaires Doug Westbrook and Adjutant Kim Vincent spearheaded this recognition in conjunction with Jaeho Yi, president of the Korean American Association of Amarillo.
This is the 70th anniversary of Armistice Day (July 27, 1953) for the Korean War, known as the Forgotten War, which has never been forgotten and never will be by the Koreans, veterans and their families. As this was a special day to recognize our veterans, the Korean government wished to commemorate with a special thank-you by awarding this medal for those who risked their lives to preserve and protect freedom and democracy for their home country, the Republic of Korea (aka South Korea).
We began with a goal of identifying 12 Korean War veterans, and were humbled by the response we received and look forward to our next ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Twelve deceased veterans were identified - two who were killed in action and nine living, including several Legionnaires from Guthrie (four), Perry (three) and Edmond (one), though membership is not a requirement. Those families with deceased veterans accepted the medal posthumously. Family members attended from as far away as California, Missouri and Kansas.
Korean War service is verified by reviewing the DD 214, and then a short questionnaire with the veteran's information is completed. These two items were sent to the Korean consular to confirm and award the medals to the hosting organization for the ceremony. Post 58 was pleased to assist Jaeho Yi in facilitating this recognition for our Korean War veterans.
If you know a Korean War veteran, please feel free to contact us so we can help you get them recognized with the Ambassador for Peace Medal at a future ceremony in your area. Office 405-282-2589. But we are strong, each in our purpose, and we are all more strong together.
