Korean War Vets Say War is Likely
Friday, May 29, 2009
05/28/2009
05/28/2009
By: Mike Hedeen
It was business as usual at the May meeting of the Monroe County chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.
But for some, their minds were on the current situation in North Korea.
The communist country has conducted missile tests earlier in the week, including a nuclear test, and is now threatening action against the United States and South Korea. The threats don't surprise these veterans as they feel the job wasn't completed when they fought there more than a half century ago.
"I think they should have done it back in the 1950's,” said veteran Paul Wurzer. “I think (General Douglas) MacArthur and (President Harry) Truman kind of messed up because they weren't talking together."
It's been nearly 56 years since the Korean War ended. Those who saw combat say the North has not changed its attitude at all. They believe North Korean president Kim Jong Il wants to make a point, and that has them concerned. "My oldest grandson is with the 82nd Airborne right now getting ready to go back to Iraq for his second tour. I just as soon not see him wind up in Korea," said Gordon Pike, president of the local Korean War vets chapter.
Those attending the meeting on Thursday night say Pike’s grandson and others may end up there. They're convinced some sort of military action is on the horizon, it's just a matter of when.
"I think there's going to be shots fired before they realize wait a minute, this is the end of the line,” explained Frank Nicolazzo. “I think there will have to be a conflict before they may realize enough is enough."
They would like to see a diplomatic solution, but don't believe that is possible.
"They're going to have to put a stop to it one way or another,” Wurzer said. “It's going to cost American lives one way or another."
If there is a military confrontation, the local vets believe the United States and South Korea are both better prepared now than they were in 1950.
It was business as usual at the May meeting of the Monroe County chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.
But for some, their minds were on the current situation in North Korea.
The communist country has conducted missile tests earlier in the week, including a nuclear test, and is now threatening action against the United States and South Korea. The threats don't surprise these veterans as they feel the job wasn't completed when they fought there more than a half century ago.
"I think they should have done it back in the 1950's,” said veteran Paul Wurzer. “I think (General Douglas) MacArthur and (President Harry) Truman kind of messed up because they weren't talking together."
It's been nearly 56 years since the Korean War ended. Those who saw combat say the North has not changed its attitude at all. They believe North Korean president Kim Jong Il wants to make a point, and that has them concerned. "My oldest grandson is with the 82nd Airborne right now getting ready to go back to Iraq for his second tour. I just as soon not see him wind up in Korea," said Gordon Pike, president of the local Korean War vets chapter.
Those attending the meeting on Thursday night say Pike’s grandson and others may end up there. They're convinced some sort of military action is on the horizon, it's just a matter of when.
"I think there's going to be shots fired before they realize wait a minute, this is the end of the line,” explained Frank Nicolazzo. “I think there will have to be a conflict before they may realize enough is enough."
They would like to see a diplomatic solution, but don't believe that is possible.
"They're going to have to put a stop to it one way or another,” Wurzer said. “It's going to cost American lives one way or another."
If there is a military confrontation, the local vets believe the United States and South Korea are both better prepared now than they were in 1950.
posted by jillosophy at 5/29/2009 04:49:00 PM
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