War vets educate, inspire during commemorative event

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  • By Staff Report
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Korean War veterans from the surrounding area converged on the South Dakota Air and Space Museum June 25 to share their stories and raise awareness of the "forgotten war," as part of a special commemoration event.

"Many people don't even know we exist, so we come out once a year to help educate the public," said Marvin Knapp, Korean Veterans Association Chapter 160 commander and former U.S. Army Soldier.

This is the third year the KVA Chapter 160 has set up displays and answered questions on the anniversary of the start of the Korean War. About 470 people visited the museum and the veterans.

"It's important for people to understand what these guys have gone through," said Randy Bader, a museum visitor from Minnesota who brought his family in for a taste of the past. "Everything is going to be lost because every day there are fewer and fewer veterans. Now is the time to hear their stories because one day we'll only be reading them in books."

The Korean War raged from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. An estimated 6.8 million people served on active duty during the conflict that ended in a draw.

"America had just conquered Japan and Germany five years earlier to bring an end to World War II, only to be embroiled in another campaign," said Carl Engwall, director of the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, of the war that claimed the lives of 160 South Dakota military members. "This was a war unlike any other our nation had faced, and actually still rages on for many veterans in our community. It truly is amazing to hear some of their experiences."

Rapid City Air Force Base and the 28th Bombardment Wing had no real direct involvement in the Korean War. However, as a result of the Korean War, the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons - predecessors of the B-1B squadrons at Ellsworth Air Force Base today - were reactivated at Pusan, Korea (K-9) on May 10, 1952.

"They were designated Light, Night Intruder squadrons as part of Far East Air Force and equipped with Douglas B-26 Invaders fashioned for night attacks," said Paul Marcello, 28th Bomb Wing historian. "They carried out attacks on Communist supply lines, bridges and locomotives until the Korean War armistice in July 1953."

A B-26K Counter Invader is among 10 other Korean War-era aircraft on display at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.