Republic Of Korea Awards Medals To Korean War Veterans From Southwest Iowa
Surrounded by family, Korean War veteran Ed Whitcomb received the Ambassador For Peace Medal at a ceremony last week in Council Bluffs. He was one of four Mills County veterans to receive the medal, awarded as appreciation from the Republic Of Korea to U.S. service men and women. Mr. Whitcomb is shown here with children Tom Whitcomb, Jim Whitcomb, Joan Sandford and Rose Eaton.
The Ambassador For Peace Medal and proclamation presented to Korean War veteran Ed Whitcomb.
Duane Lue, David Leu and their sister Dorene Scheffel accepted the Ambassador For Peace Medal on behalf of their father, Eugene Leu.
Consul Go, from the Consulate General Republic Of South Korea office in Chicago, shared his country’s appreciation at the presentation ceremony.
Four Korean War veterans from Mills County were among the honorees at a special ceremony last Wednesday in Council Bluffs.
Ed Whitcomb, Eugene Leu, Herbert Hoover and Arthur Elkins were recognized as recipients of the Ambassador For Peace Medal from the Republic Of Korea. The medals were presented to 17 veterans from southwest Iowa as an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to United States service men and women who served in the Korean War.
Consul Go, from the Consulate General Republic Of South Korea office in Chicago, shared his country’s appreciation at the presentation ceremony. Brian Ring of Glenwood, Past Department Commander for the American Legion Of Iowa, and Judy Ring, Auxiliary Commander from Harvey T. Rimel American Legion Post 141, were also involved in the ceremony, along with Iowa Department Of Veterans Affairs Bureau Chief Gavin Sandvig and other American Legion and Veterans Affairs officials.
Mr. Whitcomb attended the ceremony along with members of his family. The other three Mills County medal recipients were not in attendance. Members of Mr. Leu’s family accepted the medal on his behalf.
“Herbert Hoover and Arthur Elkins did not attend, but we have their awards and will be bringing them to their homes,” said Mills County Veterans Affairs Administrator Elizabeth Richardson.
Richardson noted that applications for the medal are still being accepted for veterans who served in the Korean War from June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953, as well as to veterans who participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations through 1955.
“This award is still open,” she said. “We can still apply for this award if they’re eligible. They do need a DD Form 214 and they would have to have certain medals to prove that they were there.”
The com-memorative medals may be awarded posthumously, according to the Korean War Veterans Association.
The next of kin, such as the spouse or descendants may apply for the medal on behalf of a deceased veteran.
Veterans and family members with questions about eligibility for the medal are encouraged to reach out to Richardson at the Mills County Veterans Affairs office in Glenwood.