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Queens, NY – Coming
between World War II and Vietnam, the Korean War is sometimes called "the
forgotten war." But for the families of the 23,615 brave soldiers killed
in action, and for anyone who loves freedom, it’s anything but.
Tonight, five brave men from
Broad Channel who lost their lives over fifty years ago on Korean battle
fields finally received an honor they richly deserve: the Republic of Korea’s
War Service Medal. The Medal, which recognizes bravery in the pursuit of
freedom, was presented by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn).
RECIPIENTS OF THE WAR SERVICE MEDAL:
C Private First Class Thomas W. August, member of the 224th Infantry Regiment, 40th
Infantry Division. Was killed in action on November 17, 1952, at the age
of 20. He has also been awarded Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge,
the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National
Defense Service Medal.
C Private Joseph De Pietro, member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division. Was killed while assisting a wounded comrade on October
10, 1951, at the age of 19. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart, the
Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations
Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
C Private First Class James F. Farrell, member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division. Was killed on November 10, 1952, at the age of 19, by
enemy artillery fire. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat
Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service
Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
C Private First Class Walter F. Gross, member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th
Infantry Division. Was taken prisoner of war on January 1, 1951, and died
at POW Camp 12 on July 31, at the age of 23. He has also been awarded the
Prisoner of War Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service
Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service
Medal.
C Corporal Ralph R. Mitola, member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Division. Was killed by small arms fire on August 1, 1952, at the
age of 21. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s
Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the
National Defense Service Medal.
The Republic
of Korea first issued the War Service Medals in 1951, to recognize the heroic
efforts of those who risked all in the fight for freedom. But it took some
time for the medals to gain Congressional approval and, as a result, many
eligible service members or their families never had a chance to receive
them.
In the
case of five local families, that oversight has finally been corrected. During
a solemn ceremony with members of the American Legion’s Broad Channel Memorial
Post #1404, Rep. Weiner presented the families with medals earned five decades
ago. Weiner’s office secured the medals.
"I’m proud
to be able to recognize five true American heroes," said Rep. Weiner. "These
medals honor their courage, their sacrifice, and the inspiration they provide
to all of us." |
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