"Duty. Honor. Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn."

General Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964)
Address to the cadets of the U.S. Military
Academy in accepting the Thayer Award
May 12, 1962

The Cold War

The end of World War II left the United States and the USSR the two greatest powers in the world. However, by 1947, friction over the treaties with Austria, Germany, and Japan and Soviet aggression in Eastern Europe brought increasing tension. By the end of 1948, the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union was considered a cold war.

After World War II the Korean peninsula, about the size of the state of Utah, extending 635 miles in length and 150 miles across at its widest, had been divided along the 38^th parallel into South Korea and North Korea. The South declared itself the Republic of Korea and the North, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

In 1950, armed conflict arose in Korea between Soviet-backed Communist forces and United Nations forces led by the United States. U.S. policymakers were committed to extending the Truman Doctrine, which called for the containment of Communism in southeast Asia.

June 25, 1950 – North Korea invades South Korea along the line of demarcation. This action marks the beginning of the conflict, eventually called the Korean Conflict. Secretary of State Dean Acheson and President Truman are persuaded to commit air and naval power to the region and to deploy the 7^th Fleet to the Taiwan Strait to prevent mainland China from invading the island of Taiwan. In all, fifteen nations, in addition to the United States, send combat troops to fight in Korea.

Mainers proudly voted in honor of loved ones who served in Korea:

Some of the most well known battles of the Korean War were the several battles for Pork Chop Hill, Old Baldy, and Heartbreak Ridge:

My father, Edward Ouellet, enlisted in the U.S. Army in April of 1952, leaving home with high ideals and a strong sense of duty for his country. After he was wounded at Pork Chop Hill, he spent over 4 months in a hospital in Japan and received a Purple Heart. When he returned home, he married and raised 4 children. My father shared with us his beliefs of patriotism. He motivated us with encouragement to serve our country. Where we come from and from whom we come determines our character. I am proud to be my father's daughter. I am proud of the veteran who raised me.
Brenda Boyce, Ashland

I will be proudly wearing the veteran button in honor of my father, Jesse R. Wilson, who fought in the Korean Conflict with the United States Army's 180^th Infantry Regiment and 45^th Infantry Division on Old Baldy. After ten months of being on the front lines, my dad was hit by a mortar and wounded in the right leg. He was given the Purple Heart for shedding his blood for the freedom of our country. I am very thankful for the sacrifices he made and that he is alive today to tell me about them.
Debra L. Wilson, Old Town

My cousin, Harry L. Sargent, Jr., was in the Army in the tank division when he was killed during the Korean Conflict. He is buried on a knoll overlooking the Korean War Memorial with his name etched in granite in the Hope Cemetery in Bangor. He was the only child of Harry and Emily Sargent of Hampden.
Judith C. Mosier, Yarmouth

I will be voting in honor of John Hickey, who served in the Air Force in the Korean Conflict. He was shot down and died in a POW camp. He was the only one from Maine that I met over there. This is for John Hickey and all the others on the Korean War Memorial in Bangor.
Carl A. Leighton, Princeton
Served in Korean Conflict, 1951-52

When I vote, I will pay tribute to my brother, Cpl. Irving Munroe, who was a member of a B-29 bomber squad flying without fighter escort deep in North Korea. They were attacked by large numbers of North Korean jet fighters and shot down. On 1 June 1951 he became MIA. He was 19 years old.
Jack J. Munroe, Stetson
Served in Korea and Vietnam, U.S. Army Ret.

I will be voting in honor of Roy Sandvik, United States Marines. He was killed in action in Korea. He was one of my best friends.
Kenneth Carlsen, Brooklyn, NY
Served in Korea, USMC

I will be voting in honor of Joe Mahoney, USMC, my first buddy killed in Korea.
Richard G. Chick, Winthrop
Served in Korea

Equally touching are responses that honor the sacrifice, patriotism, and dedication of loved ones who did their duty abroad and then came home:

 

My father, Frank William McDade, fought in Korea. I am proud that he helped secure the freedom we now hold so dear. This is a great way to honor him.
Earl Matthew McDade, Bangor

Army Nurse Corps personnel serving in Korea followed time-honored traditions in accepting the challenging responsibilities of combat nursing. They managed over-whelming numbers of critically wounded soldiers in MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) units, in Field Hospitals, and Evacuation Hospitals.

The exact number of Army Nurse Corps officers who saw action in the Korean War is unknown; estimates of nurse participants vary from 540 to 1,502.

The Air Force Nurse Corps assisted in the evacuation of about 3,900 patients after the Chinese intervention in the war. By the end of the war, they had helped evacuate about 350,000 patients.

The Navy Nurse Corps served in hospitals as well as aboard ships where battle casualties were admitted. Hospital ships were a new type of mobile hospital moving from place to place, supporting invasions, aiding evacuations, or staying near the coast as needed.

–U.S. Army photo

 

I am voting in honor of my companion, Jeannie Harrington, who was a CT in the Navy in the early 50's and served as a reservist on active duty. She was the founder of WAVES National with a unit in Maine.
Ralph Dicks, Milo

My son, Russell Lane Jr., served his country in the Army in Korea. I'm proud he served. Everyone should. It would be a better place to live.
Russell Lane, Sr., Bristol

My brother, Vaughan L. Tardiff, is the oldest of 12 children, 9 boys and 3 girls. Vaughan served in Korea. All the rest of the brothers also served in the military for a total of 106 years.
Gerald E. Tardiff, Brewer
Served in Vietnam, USMC (Ret.)

 

I am voting in honor of Cornelius J. Begin, Jr., my husband, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 - 1955 aboard the USS Wasp. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Dorothy L. Begin, Winslow

It was the patriotism of my father, Cornelius J. Begin, Jr., and his love for his country that encouraged me to join the Navy thirty years later.
Donna J. Fenton, Vassalboro
Served in U.S. Navy from 1981-86

Norman O'Clair

 

I am voting in honor of my husband, William R. Gilbert, who served in the Army in Korea from 1956-1958.
Alice M.Gilbert, Fairfield

Aftermath of the Korean War

The United States, North Korea and China signed an armistice. However, the agreement failed to bring about a permanent peace.

U.S. forces had not previously seen a conflict like Korea. The battles were hard-fought, the enemy was unpredictable, and the weather was extreme. Over 1.7 million Americans served in Korea. Estimates are that more than 33,000 service members died. There were over 103,000 casualties and 7,140 military personnel taken as prisoners of war.

MEDALS OF HONOR

There were 131 Medals of Honor awarded to U.S. servicemen for their actions during the Korean War. Three Medals of Honor were given to veterans from Maine.

Major Charles J. Loring"The last Air Force Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously to Major Charles J. Loring Jr. Loring was an F-80 pilot and flight leader assigned to the 80^th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. On November 22, 1952, he led a quartet of F-80's against enemy artillery emplacements on Sniper Ridge which were harassing friendly ground troops. After verifying his target, Loring began his bombing run. Enemy fire was extremely heavy and accurate throughout his dive and his aircraft was hit and crippled.

Disdaining any attempt to head for safety, Loring pulled up in a deliberate and controlled maneuver. He then turned and dove into a group of active gun emplacements, destroying them.

In a ceremony in the White House held on May 5, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented the Medal of Honor to Loring's widow.

On October 1, 1954, Limestone Air Force Base, Maine, was renamed Loring Air Force Base in his honor."

–from The Archives of the Portland Press Herald

Captain Lewis L. Millett, of Mechanic Falls, served in the U.S. Army, Company E, 27^th Infantry Regiment, during the Korean War.

According to his Medal of Honor Citation:
"Captain Millett distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action in the vicinity of Soam-Ni, Korea on February 7, 1951. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1^st platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Captain Millett ordered the 3^rd platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the two platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill... His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this onslaught Captain Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service."

*Colonel (Ret.) Lewis L. Millett, one of the four surviving Maine Medal of Honor recipients, currently resides in Idyllwild, California

from United States of America's Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients and Their Official Citations, provided by the Office of the Adjutant General, State of Maine

Special Citations Given to Two Medal of Honor Recipients Born in Maine

Corporal David B. Champagne, entered the service in Rhode Island but was born in Waterville, Maine, and served in U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1^st Battalion, 7^th Marines, 1^st Marine Division, in Korea. On 28 May 1952, "Cpl. Champagne, by his valiant leadership, fortitude, and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his fellow Marines. His heroic actions served to inspire all who observed him and reflected the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Sergeant George D. Libby, entered the service in Connecticut but was born in Bridgton, Maine, and served in the U.S. Army, Company C, 3^rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 24^th Infantry Division, near Taejon, Korea. On 20 July 1950, Sgt. Libby's "sustained, heroic actions enabled his comrades to reach friendly lines. His dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army."

Additional Tributes Submitted Online

Tribute to my father, James H. Young:

My father, James H. Young fought in the Korean War. He was injured there and suffered throughout the rest of his life. He was always proud of his service to his country and would have gone again in an instant if they asked him. He was passionate about flying the Stars and Stripes and was known to let others know the right way to respect our flag. Up until his death, he never changed his support of our country and freedoms. Fittingly, he passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2000. Today, my brothers and I and our families carry the tradition of support for our troops and pride in our country.

Juanita E. Spaulding, Plymouth Me.

Tribute to my father, David W. Stuart Sr.:

Once a Marine, always a Marine, proud to be an American. He taught me well, to follow in his footsteps of pride, honor and respect.

Jeanne M. Cameron, Merrill, Maine

Tribute to my Father, David L Kelley:

I wish I knew more of what took place during this time, I am proud to be his daughter, and I am also proud of his service to the Korean war, Army, Air Force. He is a very dedicated and caring man. He also served as a medic in the Army. He has many special traits and is a dedicated father and husband. God Bless him and those that served for our country!

Gail Moor, Hermon

Tribute to my My Uncle, Stowell Eustis:

I'm honoring my Uncle Stowell. Stowell was the oldest of ten children and a student at the University of Maine at Farmington when he was drafted. Stowell was a role model to his younger siblings. He was helping to support his family and going to school full time. He had to help support his brothers and sisters because his father was killed just a few years before he was drafted. Stowell knew he wouldn't make it back from Korea alive. How sad for his mother and siblings who had just lost their husband/father so tragically. In reading his letters you can really get a sense of what a wonderful man Stowell was. He had a gentle kindness and love of life and family. I wish I had known him in life, though I do feel close to him just the same and know he is safe and happy with his father in Heaven.

Sandra Eustis, Gorham

Tribute to my Uncle, Maj. Ronald Alley:

"Major Alley served his country with distinction in the Army Field Arty. He was captured by the North Koreans and held for three years. He was the Ranking individual in the POW camp in North Korea. He was eventually released and hospitalized for two years."

Dale Alley, Palmyra

Tribute to my Grandfather, Ernest Alvard Varney Jr.:

I'm honoring my Grandfather Ernest Alvard Varney Jr., who was part of the Medical Company of the 7th Infantry Regiment. He passed away July 26, 1999. Although he has passed away he is still my hero. I Love You Grampy.

Michelle Stevens, Lewiston, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Harold W. Grant, Sr.:

He served in the Navy in Korea. He was a good man and a great human being. He died in April, 2002. He never once regretted serving his country.

Jeremy Stevens, Lewiston, ME

Tribute to my My Dad, Norman Foss:

We lost you this year Daddy, but I want to honor your service in the forgotten war, The Korean Conflict. You were there when I was born and it must have been hard to leave a new bride and come home to Mom and a baby. You talked often of those years, especially toward the end and I always wanted to hear about your time there. I know you were proud when Jimmy joined the Army, following in your steps. I don't know if you understood Perry was going to Iraq, but he is there and he often speaks of you. I miss you Daddy and I was, am, and always will be proud of your service in the USA!

Ruth Malcolm, Waterville, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Rodney Waldron:

I am very proud to say that this wonderful man is my father, he has been through a lot in his life and he served proudly. The Marines should be proud and I thank God for him.

Ronnie Waldron, Gardiner, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Philip Norman Kneeland:

To the strongest, kindest, most gentle Hero that ever lived: You lived your life in service, never thinking of yourself. You left the world a better place, touching so many and brightening so many lives. You gave your all to your country, to your family and to your community. You helped to shape the lives of so many young men and women and your distinguished service and legacy shall live on through their lives and accomplishments. You are truly my American Hero and I salute you. May God bless you and keep you, until we are reunited on the other shore. Rest well faithful soldier, your son.

Ernest Vinal Kneeland, Dexter, ME

Tribute to my Father, Roland A. Toussaint:

I am very proud to be your daughter. I am proud that you served your country. I only know some of what you went through. I love you very much.

Linda A. Bolduc, Old Orchard Beach

Tribute to my Father, Felix Young Sr:

I vote in honor of my father, who served with the Marines in Korea. Dad, you'll never know how much I look up to you and respect you for your sacrifice. He is my role model, and I can only hope that I accomplish half as much as you have.

Christopher Young, Kittery

Tribute to my Husband, A. Robert Orsini:

My Husband, A. Robert Orsini, served in the Korean Conflict. Having come from Italian Immigrants he was especially proud of his country and flag. He served with pride - hoping his childen and grandchildren would continue to live in freedom.

Lynne Orsini, Harrison

Tribute to my Friend, Robert E. Molinaro:

I will forever be proud of you BOB.

Deirdre, Ireland

Tribute to my Husband, Herbert L. Walker:

My tribute is to my husband "Buster" a nickname given him by his grandfather. He is now deceased he served his country for 4 years with the Army serving time State side, Japan and Korea.

Theo A. Walker, Farmington, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, Melcon E. Ray:

He was very patriotic man until the day he died.

Lucille V. Ray, Oxford, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Melcon Ray:

He was so proud of the time he was enlisted in the Army; he served his country proud and was proud to be an American until the day he died.

Jeremy Flint, Oxford, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Robert Flint:

He never talks about it as it was a very difficult time in his life. He is deaf in one ear because of the loud sound of the cannons.

Brian C. Flint, Oxford, Maine

Tribute to my Brother, Gerald E. Withee:

He is a Proud Marine, I will miss him dearly. He is in great company, two brothers, his dad, one sister and his mom.

Arthur Withee, Fairfield, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Richard L. Curtis Sr.:

Dad I love and miss you so much, you were a true hero. I love you, all my love, Sherry

Sherry Curtis, Swanville, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Wallace C. Berard:

Pep was one of the most influential people in my life. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Forever in my heart!

Brad Berard, Vassalboro, Maine

Tribute to my friend, Clifford P. Workman:

This man has dedicated his life to helping all veterans with their rights and pensions. He served with Disabled American Veterans as the past state Commander, also chapter commander. He helps 2 chapters even though only a member of one. Was appointed Aid to the Governor. Very active in the Legion and holds various positions. Taken vets into is own home, given money, rides, and advocacy to many veterans in need.

Teresa Lownds, New harbor, Maine

Tribute to my Grandfather, Frederick C.E. Bishop:

My grandfather served 20+ years in the United States Navy. He was stationed at one point at Brunswick Naval Air Station. His wife had passed in 2003 and he passed in 2007. He served his country in both Korean Conflict and Vietnam Conflict. He was a great father to his children and an awesome grandfather. He is an American that needs to not be forgotten. Thank you. God bless him and Gold bless our fallen heroes and God bless America.

James Sinko, Brunswick, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, Michael Foster:

For his 10 1/2 years of service to our country in the US Navy. His love of his country shows with every Flag he sees or song he hears about his Country the -USA !! He salutes all flags he sees when traveling and even though wheelchair bound, will struggle to stand when the National Anthem plays.

Lorna Foster, Monson, Maine

Tribute to my brother-in-law, Everett L. (Roy) Merrill:

Roy proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict.

Cindy M. Lowell, Clinton, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Raymond D. Fogarty:

In honor of a great East Greenwich Son, Father, brother, and friend.

Tom Fogarty, Auburn, Maine

Tribute to my My Father, Frank K. Potter:

He was my hero in my life. He was a wonderful man and father. He is deceased and I miss him more than words can say.

Marsha Elston, Levant, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, William P. Eddy:

For faithful service in the U.S. Navy while engaged in the Korean Conflict and in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Georgeann F. Eddy, Rangeley, Maine

Tribute to my Father, William P. Eddy:

I very proudly honor my dad, William Eddy, who is a proud 20 year veteran of the US Navy - having served aboard a destroyer off the coast of Korea during the Korean conflict and later transferring to submarines where he was a silent warrior in the Cold War under the sea. Diesel Boats Forever - right Dad?

Samuel Eddy, Yarmouth, Maine

Tribute to my Brother, Earland L. Luce:

Rest in Peace

Walter H. Luce, Marshfield, ME

Tribute to my Father, Francis H. Affayroux:

Disabled Vet, Passed away in 2007 in a Florida VA Hospital

Lisa Rackliff, Wilton, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Floyd Curtis:

Floyd Curtis served in the Korean War. Thank you for your service!

paul curtis, Exeter, Maine

Tribute to my Dad, Donald D. Duquette:

My father was a combat photographer who covered all of Korea and the "big shots" like MacArthur and Mark Clark as well as photos of terrible atrocities. His pictures appeared in magazines worldwide. He died 3/14/14 of multiple myeloma. So proud of you, Dad, and miss your voice and your stories so much. Check out kwvdm.org for interviews of Korean War vets!

Barbara Sylvain, Fort Kent, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, Herbert M. Adams:

May you love,the world you have served and love for the freedom/peace of all Americans.

melanie adams, Presque Isle, ME

Tribute to my Husband, Sgt. Luther C. Choate:

A true patriot in every sense of the word!! Thank you for your service to our country!

Donna Tomkiewicz-Choate, Addison, ME

Tribute to my Father, John S. Fowler:

In honor of my father, who recently passed. He spent the last few years of his life in the Minneapolis Veterans' Home. Many thanks to that wonderful facility. We will all miss him.

Elizabeth Fowler, Portland, ME

Tribute to my Father, Walter Sukeforth:

U.S. Coast Guard working on patrol/submarine watch during Korean War. Thank you for your service Dad!

Jeff Sukeforth, Camden, Maine

Tribute to my friend - deceased, Richard Bissell:

Richard told me of an experience as a member of a unit that crossed into China on an undisclosed mission. As US troops they were not supposed to be in China in the Korean conflict. They were forbidden to discuss it. They were discovered. Many were killed. He was one of a few that survived. They crossed back out of China by walking through Chinese lines via a safe passage. As he mentioned to me the severe physical and mental stress of that experience effected him greatly after his service. I procured a Korean Conflict challenge coin from the Maine Troop Greeters and was privileged to give it to him prior to his passing. I was honored that he confided in me about his service to our country. Richard lead a productive and fruitful life.

Bob Dion, Holden, Maine

Tribute to my Father, Billie Gean Brough:

My father served Honorably in the Korean War. He died a pauper in a Veterans Home from Dementia

Daniel Gene Brough, Norway

Tribute to my brother, Roger W. Mills:

He served in the Army, stationed in Korea near the DMZ, did his duty for his country. Returned home with honor, welcomed by all.

Theodore F. Mills, Waldoboro, Me.