Sep/Oct 2005 - Korean War Veterans Association

Chapter News
EDITOR’S REQUEST: To avoid confusion in this section, we will use Chapters’ national IDs, rather than state Chapter numbers. For example,
Kansas Chapter 1 will appear as Chapter 181, which is its national chapter designation. Similarly, Missouri Chapter 2 will appear as
Chapter 43, etc.
36
We Welcome A New Chapter
September 12, 2005
Commander Fred Williams, Jr.
Carson City Chapter 305
Post Office Box 1374
Dayton, NV 89403
Dear Commander Williams and Members of Chapter 305,
Welcome to the Korean War Veterans Association, America’s largest
and most senior group of men who have served in Korea, 1945-
2005! We are the United States member of the International
Federation of Korean War Veterans Associations, and the exclusive
agent for the official “Return Visits” Program of the Republic of
Korea. And we are the publishers of The Graybeards Magazine.
Now, we are even better because Chapter 305 has joined ranks! I
offer my support and every desire to see your Chapter grow through
the coming years as more veterans from Korea are added to your
number.
Cordially, and for all veterans,
Louis T Dechert
President, KWVA
Appreciation to Director Lee Dauster, the Presenting Official.
20 Hawaii aii #1 [HI]
Louis Baldovi
Korean War Veterans Honored
The Roll Call of Honor, sponsored by The Pacific American
Foundation, was held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the
Pacific (Punchbowl), on Sunday, May 29, 2005. This was the
Sixth Annual Roll Call of Honor in remembrance of Hawaii’s
veterans who served and continue to serve the State of Hawaii
and our great nation.
Six of the ten honorees were Korean War veterans: Alexander
Kahapea, Peter Cabral, Alfred Los Banos, Albert Chang, Arthur
McColgan, Nick Nishimoto, and Louis Baldovi.
After more than 50 years, Korean War veteran is finally
recognized
After more than fifty years, Clarence Young of Hawaii was
finally awarded the Silver Star medal for his heroic action while
under enemy fire in April of 1951 while serving with the 5th
Regimental Combat Team. U.S. Senator (D-HI) Daniel Akaka
presented the medal to Young at a ceremony at the National
Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on May 29, 2005.
After his unit was attacked by a large enemy force, Young
leaped on a disabled vehicle equipped with a machine gun and
(L-R) Nick Nishimoto, former POW, and Louis Baldovi, after being inducted
into Hawaii’s Roll Call of Honor (Photo courtesy of Charles Avesta)
Hawaii Congressman Daniel Akaka pins the Silver Star on Clarence Young
as family and BGen Irwin Cockett look on (Photo courtesy of Honolulu Advertiser)
fired at the oncoming enemy. For nearly half an hour, Young kept
the enemy at bay and accounted for an estimated 100 enemy
casualties, until he was blown off the vehicle by a mortar round.
After he regained consciousness, Young, with other Americans,
escaped into the hills, only to be captured by enemy soldiers
hours later.
As a prisoner of war, Young’s escapades were legendary, as
he risked his life aiding other prisoners of war and became a
thorn in the sides of his captors. He was one of the last prisoners
released after the cease fire.
29 SSgt. William E.
illiam E. Windrich h [IL]
Stan Klekot
Chapter members paid their final respects to Pfc. Lowell W.
Bellar, who was KIA in Korea on December 1, 1950. However,
Bellar, who served in combat with the 2nd Inf. Division at “Old
September - October 2005
The Graybeards