FOREWARD
by
Bob McEwen - Historian and Six Term
Former U.S. Congressman from Ohio
Why Is This Book Called, “THE FORGOTTEN?” How can a war be forgotten? For over half a century we have asked that question. How can one forget the 54,256 soldiers who died and the 103,284 who were wounded during those three hellish years lasting from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953? Again, we must ask, “Why was this war forgotten?”
Is it because the war was never formally ended? That this conflict is only held in check by a tense DMZ ceasefire agreement? Is it because thousands of US troops have had to be stationed in Korea for over 55 years? Perhaps that is it. This war will never be over until North Korea ceases its hostile threats?
Without making a fuss the American combat troops came home and quietly melded into the fabric of our society. No media outpouring about where they had been, what they saw, or what they had endured. Silence! Only Silence!
How could the January 1, 1951 Time Magazine cover entitled 'G.I. Joe - Man of the Year', fade into obscurity? It is six decades later and those brave men and women are passing from us in very large numbers, taking their stories with them. Soon lost to antiquity!
Questions abound. What happened to them during their deployments in Korea and what has happened to them since the war? Thankfully, we have several of their stories in this thoughtfully written volume by William A. Cummins.
These are untold stories, written in their own words, of personal military experiences. Some of their narratives are funny. Others are heartbreaking and sad. And many simply wanted to be remembered by their grandchildren.
This is an inspiring book of heroes that not only makes you feel a part of their combat but also assures that we will not forget their great sacrifices. One of those heroes is my personal friend, Luther R. Leguire, whose story as a young PFC Marine is highlighted in the first part of the book about ‘The Forgotten Flag.’ That is Luther on the book cover.
You will appreciate with me his climb onto the porch roof of the American Ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Korea at the War’s beginning. How, amid sniper fire he removed the North Korean flag and planted the first Stars and Stripes in the Capital City. And then the enemy ambush a few days later that killed all of his Marine buddies and left him for dead on the front line.
Those life-changing battlefield experiences eventually brought Luther Leguire to Lake City, Florida where, in 1962, he established a church to fulfill his promise to God. He has become an outstanding spiritual leader who now touches the life of everyone he meets.
You will share the image of the bombs falling from the underbelly of our American bombers blasting the enemy ground positions prior to the United States Marines invasion at Inchon. This book tells the story of those who survived the horrific winters on the front lines or the battle that split our forces at the Chosin Reservoir.
Forgotten tells the story of a young naval photographer in the Gunner’s seat of an AD Raider Aircraft as he is ‘flung out into space’ the first time from the Carrier’s flight deck. And then join him as he becomes flooded with fear and eyes closed approaching his ship with ‘flaps’ down and ‘tail hook’ dragging to land with a big ‘BANG’ -- Mission Accomplished!
The readers of this book will not forget the huge Victory for the people of South Korea. Established in 1948, after WWII, it has since developed a successful democracy and is an economic envy to developing countries everywhere. It is one of the wealthiest tigers in all of Asia.
South Korea became one of America’s most reliable friends and has been forever grateful to America for the sacrifices made by our men and women in ‘The Forgotten Korean War.’
“Together, We Honor, Salute, And Say Thank You To Our Heroes With This Book!” --Bob McEwen
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