The Korean War started June 25, 1950, and lasted until July 27, 1953. It began when North Korea, supported by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea, which was supported by the United States. General MacArthur, leader of the United Nations forces, drove the North Koreans back across the divide, yet encountered a Chinese invasion. The casualty toll has been reported as 54,246 Americans. It is estimated that there are still over 7,704 American soldiers unaccounted for. It has been called the Forgotten War, but not by the United States service personnel that has served there. They still remember.
Pennsylvania VFW Auxiliary’s 94th Annual Convention
The Pennsylvania VFW Auxiliary had its state convention at the same time and location as the VFW State Convention in Gettysburg. Nominations, elections, and installations were performed and the results for 2018-2019 are: Auxiliary President Charlotte Swogger Lopes, Sr. Vice President Sandra Wilder, Jr. Vice President Wendi S. Hennemann and Chaplain Pamela Sopher.
Independence Day
The 4th of July (Independence Day) is getting close. Make sure your American Flag is in great shape to be flown, not torn or tattered. The flag should be on the left side of a doorway as you walk in the building or your home.
Desert Storm Memorial Site Picked
By a vote of 4-2 last week, the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts finally agreed with the National Park Service and the National Capital Planning Commission that the new National Desert Storm Memorial will be located at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street, NW, Washington, D.C. This VFW-supported location is within eye-shot of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the yet-to-be-built Vietnam Veterans Education Center and the Lincoln Memorial. Joining the VFW in public comment were House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Phil Roe, M.D., and Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces Ranking Member Joe Donnelly. VFW Public Affairs Director Joe Davis said, “No one could have envisioned an American-led international coalition defeating the then-fourth largest standing army in the world in six weeks from the air and 100 hours on the ground. But we did, and we did so magnificently, all because of our equipment, our training and our leaders — all of whom honed their teeth in Vietnam, where they learned how not to fight the next war.” The VFW has pledged $500,000 toward the construction of the Desert Storm Memorial, with three payments of $100,000 each already made.
POW/MIA Update
Army Pfc. Felipe A. Champion, 19, of Brownsville, Texas, whose identification was previously announced, was buried on June 21 in his hometown.
Army Pfc. David Baker, a Korean War veteran, 18, of Gary, Ind., whose identification was previously announced, was buried June 23 in Hobart, Ind.
Army Staff Sgt. Leo J. Husak, a WWII veteran, 21, of West, Texas, whose identification was previously announced, was buried June 23 in his hometown.
Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Roy F. Davis, a WWII veteran, 26, of Peterborough, N.H., whose identification was previously announced, was buried June 23 in Ashby, Mass.
Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. John F. Brady, 26, of Taunton, Mass., whose identification was previously announced, will be buried June 27 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Allen A. Chandler, a WWII veteran, 23, of Fletcher, Okla., whose identification was previously announced, will be buried June 27 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
Army Air Forces 1st Lt. John H. Liekhus, a WWII veteran, 29, of Anaheim, Calif., whose identification was previously announced, will be buried June 27 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Robert O. Shoemaker, a WWII veteran, 23, of Takoma Park, Md., whose identification was previously announced, will be buried June 27 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
Army Air Forces Tech Staff Sgt. Bobby J. Younger, a WWII veteran, 19, of McKinney, Texas, whose identification was previously announced, will be buried June 27 in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C.
Marine Pfc. John W. Mac Donald, a WWII veteran, 19, of Somerville, Mass., whose identification was previously announced, was buried June 22 in Bourne, Mass.
Navy Pharmacist’s Mate 1st Class John H. Schoonover, a WWII veteran, 39, of Port Edwards, Wis., whose identification was previously announced, was buried June 26 in Pensacola, Fla.
Army Cpl. Morris Meshulam, a Korean War veteran, was a member of Battery D, 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (Automatic Weapons,) 2nd Infantry Division. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
