I Know a Korean War Veteran
Help KDVA preserve and share the stories of Korean War Veterans, their families, and the lives they have touched.
Help Preserve Their Legacy
KDVA honors those who served during the Korean War and those who supported them from home by sharing their life stories, photographs, and memories.
These stories help new generations understand the experiences of Korean War Veterans and their immeasurable contributions to the enduring ROK-U.S. Alliance.
Honor Their Service
Recognize the Veterans who served during the Korean War and preserve the experiences that shaped their lives.
Preserve Their Stories
Capture memories, photographs, and personal stories so they can be shared with families and future generations.
Strengthen Understanding
Help others better understand the sacrifices of Korean War Veterans and the importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.
Do You Know a Korean War Veteran?
If you are a Korean War Veteran, or know a Korean War Veteran, we invite you to share a short story along with photographs or video that help tell their story.
Korean War Veteran Stories
Read the stories of Korean War Veterans, their families, and those whose lives have been shaped by their service.
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Gordon Durkee
My father, Gordon Durkee, My father, Gordon Durkee, served in Korea from 1053-54, stationed at Camp Casey and Uijonbu as a 11B radio man. I am honored for his service…
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SERGEANT ROBERT F. GRANDFIELD, U.S. Army, Korea – 1950 to 1951
By James L. Grandfield On November 17, 1950, Private Bob Grandfield debarked the troop transport in Wonsan. The son of a Cape Cod physician, the 20-year old medic was serving…
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COLD WARRIORS: American Father and Son Serving the Korean People
By: Brian Edward Malnes Harry The Korean War was the first major salvo of the Cold War, which lasted from 1947 to 1991. During the entirety of the Cold War,…
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MY KOREA EXPERIENCE – Ray Huecker
By Ray Huecker Shortly after North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, General Douglas MacArthur called for a Division of Marines to mount an invasion at Inchon Harbor. When…
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MY GRANDFATHER AND ME IN KOREA: OUR TIME IN KOREA WAS WORTH IT
By Jared B. Law, Captain, U.S. Army Retired The story is somewhat short, as we only have a few details. My grandfather, PFC David U. Law, was a mortarman with…
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General Shin, Hyun-joon, ROK Commander and Commandant
By Lieutenant Colonel James F. Durand, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) At 06:10 on September 27, 1950, Republic of Korea (ROK) Marines raised the flag in front of…
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The Story of CWO George V. Lampman, USMC, Ret.
On Duty with the Marine Security Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on June 25, 1950 By Fred Lash, from an interview with George V. Lampman In June of…
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I Don’t Hate Nobody Because Life Is So Short
The Remarkable Story of the Only Holocaust Survivor to be Awarded the Medal of Honor By: Mr. Ned Forney, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, career educator, and grandson of a Korean…
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The Sharp Family Story
By Ms. Nicole Ruiz, KDVA Research Intern Photo Caption: Gen. (Ret.) Walter Sharp is holding a picture of his father, then-Lieutenant Earl “Bill” Sharp (who is on the right), with…
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The Champoux Family Story
By Ms. Nicole Ruiz, KDVA Research Intern Growing up, Korea was an important part of the Champoux family. It came in the form of traditional Korean masks hanging on the…
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General Paek Sun Yup
Submitted By: James Pierce My favorite Korean War veteran is General Paek Sun Yup, perhaps Korea’s greatest modern military leader. I initially met General Paek probably in the 1970s, when…
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Captain Sung Gon Kim
Submitted By: MinShik Kim Freedom is not free. April 19, 2020 is the 11th anniversary of my grandfather’s death. He was laid to rest at Daejeon National Cemetery. My grandfather,…
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BROTHERS IN ARMS: A STORY OF SACRIFICE AND SURVIVAL
By: Ned Forney U.S. Marine Corps veteran, career educator, and grandson of a Korean War veteran For 19-year-old Pat Finn, a Minnesota Marine with Item Co, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines,…
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The Cashman Family
Submitted by Guy Cashman My father (Cletus Cashman) fought in Korea with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Battalion. He received a Purple Heart for being wounded at Bunker Hill. We…
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Capt. Raymond Murphy
Marine Corps Capt. Raymond Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient who honorably served his fellow Marines during war, then spent the rest of his life serving them, as well. Murphy…
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THE EXTROM FAMILY AT HOME DURING AND AFTER THE KOREAN WAR
Submitted by Janice Extrom Sheridan We (his four children) were not born yet while he was in Korea. In fact, he met our mother after his service ended in 1952.…
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Robert Extrom
Excerpt from Robert Extrom’s Biography as a radio operator, 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion, H Company to be published on the Korean War Educator Website. Submitted by Janice Extrom Sheridan “There…
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The Langone Family
Submitted by Cathy Langone Burgholzer My uncle Sergeant Anthony L. Langone (pictured left) was a member of Company L, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He enlisted in the United…
