Gov. Matt Mead was on hand in Lander last month to award the Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medals to those who served in the war, including Pinedale’s own Jim Noble.
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LANDER – Gov. Matt Mead was on hand in Lander last month to award the Republic of Korea Ambassador for Peace Medals to those who served in the war, including Pinedale’s own Jim Noble.
The ceremony also included Korean Consul General Shin Chae Hyun, who expressed deep gratitude on behalf of South Koreans for the sacrifices made by the U.S. military members in the war that extended from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, when a cease-fire was reached.
“Had it not been for you, today’s Korea might not have been able to exist at all,” Shin said at the March 20 ceremony.
The Korean War is sometimes referred to as “the Forgotten War,” due to its place between World War II and the Vietnam War, which often receive far more attention. But Consul General Shin strongly disagreed.
“The first time I came to the United States was 1995,” Shin said. “At that time, I was surprised as a Korean diplomat hearing the United States people who called the Korean War the ‘Forgotten War.’ I could not agree at the time, and I have not been able to agree, and today I cannot accept that title at all.”
Noble attended the ceremony with his wife Margaret, along with some of their children and grandchildren, including Pinedale resident Tom Noble, who was impressed by the event.
“It was very well put together,” he said.
According to Tom, his dad rarely talked about his time serving in the Korean War “and when he does, it’s something related back to a fun time” – like the time a delivery of frozen sheep was unloaded from a military ship, intended to be served to the military men. One of the officers asked if anybody knew how to cut them up and Jim raised his hand, well acquainted with the practice having grown up on a ranch in rural Wyoming.
Last month’s ceremony, however, was a solemn affair, and it highlighted the efforts and sacrifices of those who served, as well as the blessings so many have in the United States.
“It was humbling,” Tom said. “It made you realize that we’ve got it really good.”
Others from the Pinedale area who were chosen for this honor but unable to attend the ceremony include Arthur J. Hamilton, Allen K. Reed (posthumous), William R. Sour, Dennis E. Thorson and Charles E. Vitt.
Any other veterans of the Korean War, who would like to take part in a local ceremony that is currently being planned, can contact Veterans Services at 307-367-4877.
