Korean War

* I would like to express my deepest thanks to Al Martinez and K. Connie Kang for their wonderful and inspiring accounts of their personal experiences in the Korean War (June 24). Reading both accounts brought such pride and admiration for each person.

Both stories tell of immense bravery and personal sacrifice. Martinez selflessly honors fallen comrades, yet denies the impact of his own personal contribution. Kang and her family also downplay their participation in sacrificial actions that could have easily cost them their lives. These are the marks of true heroes.

In today’s generation of selfishness, I am truly inspired by the contributions that so many have made in this often forgotten war. Thank you, Mr. Martinez and Ms. Kang (as well as countless others), for your bravery and sacrifices. May the Lord greatly bless and reward you for your service. You are an inspiration to all.

KATHI WAGER

Glendale

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Thanks, Al Martinez, for telling your story--our story--of that long-ago but not forgotten (at least by us) war. You brought tears and pride to this old Marine.

Semper Fi.

JIM KENT

Idyllwild

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I well recall Sunday morning, June 26, 1950. I was at the Kansas City Municipal Airport at the time President Truman was about to enplane the Independence, predecessor to Air Force One, and return to Washington. Dean Acheson had called him late the night before alerting him to the North Korean invasion of South Korea that day, June 25. Truman asked the secretary of State if he should return immediately. Acheson suggested he wait until morning.

I fortunately had my 8-millimeter movie camera with me and was able to work my way through the Secret Service contingent and obtain close-up shots of Truman answering reporters’ questions. (Since there were no other movie cameramen present, Philip Brooks, director of the Truman Library, was pleased to receive my film when I offered it to him.)

Although not mentioned in The Times June 25 editorial, “Remembering the Forgotten War,” it should be recalled that Russia was boycotting the U.N. Security Council at this time; thus the United States was able to secure U.N. approval for a quick response by U.S.-led U.N. forces to repel the invasion. It would be interesting for historians to ponder the eventuality had Russia vetoed the sending of U.N. forces.

WILLIAM H. SMITH

Palm Desert