11/12/2008
Korean War veterans lauded
Reprinted with permission from The News Dispatch
Joseph Malan
The News-Dispatch
MICHIGAN CITY - Matt Fallon was touched as nine South Korean exchange students congratulated him for his service in the Korean War.
"It was beautiful," Fallon said, expressing his pleasure for the students' gestures.
Fallon was one of 20 Korean War veterans who were recognized Tuesday as part of a special Veterans Day ceremony at Marquette Catholic High School. More than a dozen 12th-grade students took turns congratulating the veterans and giving them special medals.
Robert Baines, a veteran of the 25th Infantry Division, echoed Fallon's gratitude for the recognition by the students.
"It really was an honor," Baines said in a reception following the ceremony. "It was good to see that many people here."
To this day, Baines retains vivid memories of the Korean War, named by some as the Forgotten War because it took place shortly after World War II and was overshadowed by it.
"You learn to cope with things you don't want to cope with," Baines said. "Most of the time, it was either uphill or downhill, and it was always cold."
Baines recalled when a fellow soldier attempted to make breakfast on a cold morning. When he finally got his eggs and bacon, Baines said, it was "like eating a piece of peanut brittle."
Fallon, who enlisted in the 75th Air Depot Wing of the Air Force during the Korean War, said the battles played a significant role in his life.
"A lot of the younger generation have no idea what went on in that war," he said.
Norman Long, who enlisted in the Marines during the Korean War, still feels that going to war was the right thing to do.
"I believe in the American way," he said. "I was very patriotic; it was worth it."
Veterans Day ceremonies also took place at the Skwiat American Legion Post 451. U.S. Army Sgt. Ian Nelson, a 2001 graduate of Michigan City High School, received a Homeland Patriot Medal for his service in the military. Nelson completed infantry school and airborne school in 2002 and was later assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Mayor Chuck Oberlie presented the medal to Nelson at the ceremony.
"To my knowledge, we are the only city in the country that bestows a medal on our returning veterans," Oberlie said.
State Sen. Jim Arnold also expressed his appreciation to Nelson and all veterans for their military services. He noted in a speech that one-eighth of all American citizens have worked in the country's armed forces.
"I think its an honor," Arnold said. "It speaks well of our country."
Arnold also said Tuesday he has been nominated to be on the state Homeland Security/Veteran Affairs committee.
"It's time we responded for veterans and made sure their needs are addressed," Arnold said. "Together, we can make good things happen."
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Contact Joseph Malan at jmalan@thenewsdispatch.com.
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