The Graybeards - Korean War Veterans Association

Ed Stevens founded the Korean War Veterans Association of Western PA, Gen.
Matthew Ridgway Chapter of which he’s president.at Memorial in Roberto
Clemente Park Pittsburgh, PA
The semicircular memorial itself, also of polished black granite
and composed of nonattached columns that will allow sunlight
to shine between them to illuminate, at different times of
day, what he called 35 “inspirational words like ‘honor,’ ‘duty’
and ‘country’... on the floor between the memorial and Stadium
Drive. Stevens said some materials and labor have been donated.
The fund raised money through the plaques, dinners and other
activities, and has received private gifts plus grants from the city,
county, state, foundations and corporations.
As a Korean War veteran, the memorial means to Stevens
“that at least in western Pennsylvania there will be a structure
that was built to recognize the service of those who were in the
war in Korea – those who died and those who returned – and
remind people of the sacrifices made in that war.”
Graybeards Editor Vincent Krepps pointing to twin brothers name Richard W.
Krepps that is engraved on the memorial under Westmoreland County 20 miles
southwest of Pittsburgh, PA where we were born and enlisted in the Army with 5
other hometown friends on September 2, 1949. Jack McClintock is also on the
memorial. All five boyhood friends went to Korea in August 1950 in the same
Battalion, different Batteries of the 82nd AAA AW (SP) 2nd Inf. Div. Richard and
Jack were captured at Kunu-Ri, North Korea on or about 1 December 1950.
Both are assumed to have died as POWs. Jack’s remains have been returned.
Richard is still assumed to be in North Korea at Camp #5 on the Yalu River.
On my trip to PA to see the memorial I learned that I am the only one of the five
that is still alive. God has been good to me and I think doing The Graybeards,
thus remembering all of you and those that did not return is his reason for keeping
me here.–Ed.
(Thank you Ed for the photos and the dedication booklet. I wish
I could have printed it all. A great memorial. My family and I
thank all of those responsible and for remembering.)
New York Remembers
Members of KWVA Nassau County Chapter place memorial plaque. Standing (l
to r) are Jim Daros, Al Ratner and Carmine Seriva. On ladder is Mike Martin.
Robert E. Medberry found his plaque showing he served during the Korean War
aboard the USS Wisconsin BB64. Robert is from Elyria, OH. This area is part of
the new memorial in Pittsburgh.
(Thank you Robert for photos of the new memorial in Pittsburgh,
PA. We are also proud of you Robert for your service. Your
plaque looks great..)
The KWVA will be remembered at the American Legion Post
#1711 in Levittown, NY. The members named above from
KWVA Nassau County Chapter saw to that.
(Thank you Hank Nowicki for photo and letter. We also thank
your chapter members along with those named and the American
Legion Post #1711 for this special honor.)
Need Raffle Tickets?... Extra raffle tickets are being mailed to Chapters and Departments. If you need additional tickets
contact your Chapter or Department President.
January/February, 2000 Page 17