Wolf Pack remembers Korean War anniversary

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  "An nyong ha ship ni ga," said Col. John Dolan, 8th Fighter Wing commander, which is a polite greeting in Korean, as he began speaking during a ceremony here June 25 in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

The ceremony commemorated the 60th anniversary of the day North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea, and included distinguished guests, military members, friends and family from both the U.S. military and the Republic of Korea.

Colonel Dolan asked the audience to imagine they were 13 and were called to serve in a war that had broken out in their country.

"That's exactly what happened here in Korea 60 years ago. Over 2,000 of those middle-school children joined the Army to fight for their own country. Over 2,000 died defending their country and 211 of those students were right here from Gunsan City," Colonel Dolan said. "It's hard for us to imagine as Americans to actually defend your own country, to have war on your own country, and that's why we're here today, to honor these veterans."

The Korean War has often been called "The Forgotten War"; it hasn't, however, been forgotten by the men and women who were in the audience, and certainly not by Colonel Dolan, whose father also fought in the Korean War.

"I can tell you that Seaman John P. Dolan will never forget," said Colonel Dolan. "As a gunnery pointer on the U.S.S. Point Cruise, my father will never forget being in Incheon Harbor and witnessing the destruction and the horror of war. The veterans here today will never forget."

Colonel Dolan then thanked the Korean War veterans and their families for their service, sacrifice and alliance with the United States.

"We thank and honor the families of the Korean War veterans who fought, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice by defending the freedom of Korea," he said. "The Korean War veterans who fought side by side with their American and Coalition friends laid the groundwork for one of the greatest military alliances the world has ever seen. It's an alliance that has defended the Republic of Korea for 60 years, ensuring peace and security in this vital region."

Sang Don Sin, an 81-year-old Korean War veteran and vice chairman of the Korean War Veterans Association Gunsan Chapter, then told his story.

"When the Korean War broke out in 1950, a U.N. force was sent. The U.S. 1st Division was helping South Korea, and I was assigned to the 185th Engineering Brigade of the 1st Division," said Mr. Sin.

Mr. Sin said he was assigned with two Korean comrades and U.S. military members, which totaled 28 members, and that one day when they went out to do some road patrols, North Korean soldiers fired shots at them.

"My two Korean comrades and seven U.S. soldiers were killed by the shots," he said. "The painful memory has been killing me and making my blood boil even now. That's one thing I will never forget.

"I'm 81 years old now. I have not much time left until I die," Mr. Sin said. "However, I will keep remembering that my comrades, the U.S. and the U.S. soldiers are my forever friends."

Hak Jin Yi, deputy mayor of Gunsan City, and Chon Ki Pak, chairman of the Korean War Veterans Association Gunsan Chapter, then presented a wreath in honor of the sacrifices made during the Korean War, followed by Colonel Dolan and Col. Jae Hun Choi, 38th Fighter Group, Republic of Korea Air Force, commander.

The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps.

"I really appreciate all the commanders and Airmen of the Wolf Pack for holding the 60th anniversary event," said Deputy Mayor Yi. "We Korean people never forget what the U.S. did for us 60 years ago and especially, the U.S. Air Base stationed in Gunsan City. I hope the ROK-U.S. alliance will remain strong in the future."

Even today, American service members feel it is important to remember and are honored to commemorate and thank the ROK for our enduring alliance, Colonel Choi noted.

"I'm very happy that the 8th Fighter Wing invited Korean veterans to honor the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and not to forget the Korean War," said Colonel Choi. "As commander of the 38th FG, ROKAF, I pray for the repose of the U.S. service members who sacrificed themselves to defend South Korea. I hope the ROK and the U.S. will develop our strong alliance and work closely for regional stability, freedom and democracy."

The Korean War ended when North and South Korea signed an armistice July 27, 1953. Although the shooting stopped, the two Koreas are still technically at war. Soldiers from both countries stand guard on both sides of the two-and-one-half mile wide Demilitarized Zone, created along the 38th parallel, which now splits the two Koreas. In 1954, the United States signed the Mutual Defense Treaty with South Korea to defend it from attack. That treaty still stands today.