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FIVE BROAD CHANNEL WAR HEROES KILLED IN ACTION
RECOGNIZED FOR COURAGEOUS SERVICE |
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REP. WEINER PRESENTS FAMILIES WITH WAR SERVICE MEDALS |
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Queens, NY – Coming between World War II and Vietnam, the Korean War is sometimes called "the forgotten war." But for the families of the 23,615 brave soldiers killed in action, and for anyone who loves freedom, it’s anything but.
Tonight, five brave men from Broad Channel who lost their lives over fifty years ago on Korean battle fields finally received an honor they richly deserve: the Republic of Korea’s War Service Medal. The Medal, which recognizes bravery in the pursuit of freedom, was presented by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn).
RECIPIENTS OF THE WAR SERVICE MEDAL:
C Private First Class Thomas W. August, member of the 224th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Was killed in action on November 17, 1952, at the age of 20. He has also been awarded Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
C Private Joseph De Pietro, member of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Was killed while assisting a wounded comrade on October 10, 1951, at the age of 19. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
C Private First Class James F. Farrell, member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Was killed on November 10, 1952, at the age of 19, by enemy artillery fire. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
C Private First Class Walter F. Gross, member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Was taken prisoner of war on January 1, 1951, and died at POW Camp 12 on July 31, at the age of 23. He has also been awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
C Corporal Ralph R. Mitola, member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Was killed by small arms fire on August 1, 1952, at the age of 21. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
The Republic of Korea first issued the War Service Medals in 1951, to recognize the heroic efforts of those who risked all in the fight for freedom. But it took some time for the medals to gain Congressional approval and, as a result, many eligible service members or their families never had a chance to receive them.
In the case of five local families, that oversight has finally been corrected. During a solemn ceremony with members of the American Legion’s Broad Channel Memorial Post #1404, Rep. Weiner presented the families with medals earned five decades ago. Weiner’s office secured the medals.
"I’m proud to be able to recognize five true American heroes," said Rep. Weiner. "These medals honor their courage, their sacrifice, and the inspiration they provide to all of us." |
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Congressman Anthony D. Weiner
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