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Veteran Flashes Back to Korean War
More than 35,000 U-S soldiers died during the "Forgotten War," and one local survivor is refusing to let those sacrifices go untold.

At Galesburg's Lincoln Park Monday, Korean War Veteran Ernest Wedell shared with hundreds his story. Wedell stood proudly before the Veteran's Memorial, happy to share in the afternoon celebration of Memorial Day.

He flashed back to those who became prisoners of war in Korea during the early 1950's.

"They had not good food, they ate food with maggots, they ate rotten food," Wedell said. "I don't even know how those guys even lived. If you had any intestines you wouldn't have any when you got through, with that kind of situation."

"But you know, some people I've been told various times in the hospital, some people have a will to live, and others don't."

Wedell was only stationed in Korea for two months. He was drafted in 1952 and suffered a minor injury during the Battle of Pork Chop Hill-- which led to his re-assignment.

He says he's happy, lucky, and humble to have made it out alive, but feels sorry for those who didn't. For him, the Korean War was "not a happy time."



(Korean War Veteran Ernest Wedell speaks in front of the Veterans' Memorial at Lincoln Park for Memorial Day).





(Galesburg's Joyful Noyz performs).





(WGIL Photos and News Story by Kyle Schassburger).
05 29 12 by Newsroom
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