Jefferson County Korean War veterans were presented Ambassador of Peace medals from the Republic of South Korea May 17th at the Cooper Green Mercy Hospital in Birmingham.
Rogers Wilson, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs District Manager, said that the Korean War is sometimes called the "Forgotten War," but South Korea has not forgotten it. South Korea's government offers the medals to show gratitude for the sacrifices that saved their country from communism.
The official "Ambassador for Peace" proclamation reads: It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy. We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation. In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an Ambassador for Peace with every good wish of the people of the Republic of Korea.
Medals were presented to: Wilburn Brooks, Paul Carlson, Ralph Collins, Harvey Dial, Theron Harden, James Hellums, Joseph Hosmer, Bobby Jenkins, Edward Oglesby, John Stubert, and Donald Wideman.