Tiskilwa Historical Society 
to honor Korean War vets

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“Gonna wash that man right outta my hair.” As a nurse in a M*A*S*H unit serving in Korea, Capt. Lucille Steimle (second from right) of Tiskilwa shares some off-duty time with several soldiers in her unit. The photo is from the collection of the Tiskilwa Historical Society. (Photo contributed)

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TISKILWA — Area veterans who served during the Korean Conflict, sometimes called “The Forgotten War,” will be remembered and honored in a special program hosted by the Tiskilwa Historical Society at 7 p.m. Monday at the Tiskilwa Community Church on Main Street.

For many people, knowledge of the Korean conflict has come only from watching episodes of M*A*S*H on TV. But it is important always to remember that, for many among us — those who served in Korea or in the military at home, as well as those who prayed for loved ones to return — knowledge of the war reaches into the deepest places of the heart.

June 25, 2010, marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the U.S. involvement in this unofficial war for which there was never a declaration of war from Congress. According to the American Legion, a veteran of the Korean War is defined as anyone serving in the military between June 25, 1950, and Jan. 31, 1955. Although a cease fire was signed on July 27, 1953, the U.S. Congress extended the official date of the war period to January of 1955 in the wake of an uneasy truce. A formal peace treaty has not been signed to this day.

To honor the Tiskilwa men and women who served their country, the Tiskilwa Historical Society wants to share their words with the public in this program. All area Korean-era veterans are invited to come and tell of their experience or share a story with the audience. In addition, the Tiskilwa Historical Society has several letters from Korea by soldiers; society members will read excerpts from these letters as time permits.

The most poignant letter in the Society’s collection is from Pvt. Warren Feldges, brother of Tiskilwa resident Kathryn Gorman, who wrote home to his parents on July 19, 1950. As fate would have it, his letter was printed in the Tiskilwa Chief on Aug. 3, 1950, the same day he died of wounds received in combat.

A portion of his letter reads: “Dear Ma and all, Well, I didn’t suppose I would ever write a letter in a foxhole, but here I am in one right now in the northern part of southern Korea.

“I haven’t seen action yet, but will move up to the front line in about four days. I never had it so rough in all my life. Work all day and most of the night with only two meals a day and not very much in them.

“The mosquitoes and ants just about eat you up, and it is so hot you can hardly breathe. I’ve lost about 20 pounds. How is Pa getting along?

“Well, there isn’t much more to write about, so don’t worry about me. I’ll be OK. Tell everyone hello, and write when you can. Love, Warren.”

The November program marks the ninth pubic event of 2009 the Tiskilwa Historical Society is hosting. As always, everyone is invited to the program, followed by refreshments and a community time. A business meeting will begin about 8:15 p.m. to finalize plans for the Society’s final event of the year, its Walk Tiskilwa Day, to be held Dec. 5.

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