A public recognition event for Korean War veterans in Colorado honored more than a dozen men for their service in the international conflict. The city of Aurora hosted a veteran’s ceremony on June 12 at the Aurora Municipal Center, to present the Ambassador for Peace Medal. This commemorative medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government to American veterans who served in the Korean War.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Consul General Jung-taek Lim of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in San Francisco jointly sponsored the event. Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and Korean community members joined the veterans.
Many veterans receiving the Ambassador for Peace Medal are expected to attend the ceremony. The veterans being recognized are: Freddie Duane Brewer, Edward Sylvester Britton, Jr., Gerald Robert Boodry, Richard Charles Hall, Leon Eugene Henry, Robert J. Rea, Edward T. Rodriguez, Joseph John Scheib, Wayne K. Toby, Gary F. Wilson, Jesse Frank Wilson, Richard Gene Eckles (deceased), William Gustaf Erickson (deceased), Glenn William Tiemann (deceased), Charles Douglas Ward (deceased), Bobbie Alfred Goodwin (missing in action, presumed dead), and Rofino Simbre (killed in action).
The Korean War was fought between North Korea and South Korea between 1950 and 1953. United States military forces were joined by 21 other countries in driving the forces of North Korea, China, and Russia out of the Republic of Korea.
More than 10 similar Ambassador for Peace Medal presentations have previously occurred in our region. Each medal has been important and meaningful to the recipient, and equally meaningful to their families, the state, and the United States, in showing what the result can be of true commitment to one’s country.