Dorothy Brush "Random Thoughts" Published Jan. 11, 2006

We shall not forget the Korean War

Much of the history of the 1900s was punctuated by wars. The War to End All Wars, World War I, 1914-'18. Twenty-one years later World War II, 1939-'45 and five years after that the Korean War, 1950-'53, followed by the Vietnam War, 1965-72 and more.

Often the Korean War was called "the forgotten war" but at least 33 men in Cumberland County have not forgotten. They were part of the million and a half Americans called to join the UN forces to stop what was seen as a global military challenge from the communist world.

These Korean War Veterans are members of the Plateau chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter #297 of Crossville, which was chartered in March 2004. Part of their purpose reads "to further inform the community concerning the Korean War." In the short time they have been organized they have appeared in local parades and presented a number of Korean War items to the Military Memorial Museum. In December an impressive ceremony honored three Cumberland County citizens, Donald Mustard, Oveda and Mike Burns, for their time and efforts to save our country, either in the military or at the home front in a special way. Commander Donald Eliason presented each honoree with the Korean War Veterans Medallion.

For a younger generation, the television show "M*A*S*H" was an introduction to the Korean War through the antics of Hawkeye, Trapper, Hot Lips and the other members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. They dealt with the daily carnage by raising hell. From its premier in September 1972 it was a weekly favorite until the last show in February 1983. Few viewers knew it was produced to show conditions and feelings about the controversial Vietnam War disguised as the Korean War.

Our oldest son David was one of those children who watched and enjoyed the show. It was not until November 2000 that he heard a true story from a co-worker and Korean War vet that he could not get out of his mind. David said that story from fifty years before haunted him and he sent the man this e-mail.

"Your recounting of a war story that took place in your life fifty years ago today painted a strong mental image for me. On this November 27th, the 50th anniversary of that cold wintry night in Korea, I can think of no better way to respond to you than to say thank you and tell you what your sacrifice has meant to me.

"On that date I was a mere lad of five, happily enjoying my childhood. You were somewhere in a foreign land braving a bitterly cold night, fearing the attack by the North Koreans the next morning. You made it but most of your company did not. Your story made me realize even more clearly I have soldiers like you to thank for keeping our country safe and free in the mid-1900s so kids, like me, would have the opportunity to enjoy our childhood. For that I am most appreciative to you and all the other American Heroes. Thank you."

The next day that man came to David to tell him that nobody had ever told him thank you before. For all those men and women who have served as our protectors in any of the wars, I too say thank you.

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Dorothy Copus Brush is a Fairfield Glade resident and Crossville Chronicle staffwriter whose column is published each Wednesday. She may be reached at ebrush@frontiernet.net