Memorial Day reflections by Korean War veteran
Across the U.S., Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and an ongoing effort to keep the legacy of America’s fallen soldiers front and center.
As grills are fired up and bargain shoppers search for Memorial Day discounts, Ernie Hoelscher, a veteran of the Korean War, hopes that Americans find a moment to honor the sacrifices of brave service members, who gave their lives to protect liberty and defend democracy.
“Memorial Day is a moment for me to remember all the soldiers I’ve seen who are not here any more,” Hoelscher said. “When I think about some of the battles I’ve been through, I’m glad that I’m still here.”
Drafted by the Army in 1952, not a day goes by in which the 86-year-old veteran doesn’t reflect or recall the ultimate sacrifices made by good friends and fellow soldiers.
Considered a “police action” by President Harry S. Truman and nicknamed “The Forgotten War” by present day historians, in the eyes of Hoelscher, the conflict known as the Korean War should never be forgotten.
Described as a bloodbath, the Ruthville resident said “Kill, kill, kill and take care of the ones next to you,” was the primal philosophy during the violent conflict.
With over 54,000 casualties and nearly 8,000 American soldiers unaccounted for, Hoelscher hopes his story can bring light to the barbaric encounters experienced by American soldiers.
“I remember a time when 40 of us went up on a hill,” Hoelscher said. “We were on that hill for three nights. On the third morning, it was just three of us left. I had a good cry after that one. The 40 men had been together since basic training.”
Throughout the high rising hills and towering timber were thick patches of fog that challenged the visibility of Hoelscher and fellow members of the 7th Division 31st Infantry Regiment Charlie Company.
Along with the treacherous terrain were the deafening sounds of mortar shells met with the steady barrage of shrapnel.
During a week on Pork Chop Hill, Hoelscher recounts the explosive sight of napalm bombs and the blinding view of white phosphorus used by American soldiers to counter the fierce attack of North Korean troops.
According to Hoelscher’s company commander Lt. Hunt, his motto was, “If it was tough for anyone else, it was just right for us.”
“We were always out-numbered and it was a knock-down-drag-out fight,” Hoelscher said. “We were out numbered 10 to one but we kept fighting.”
After rescuing a fellow soldier, Hoelscher had to overcome multiple bullet wounds to his back and endure the pain of being struck by shrapnel to the head and foot.
While Hoelscher spat up blood, Lt. Hunt told him he needed assistance carrying the wounded off the hill.
Wounded, tired and showerless for 30 days, Hoelscher came to the aid of his soldiers and mustered the strength to help the wounded.
“From your hands to your waist down, you were covered with blood,” Hoelscher said. “This was day after day, this was the life that we lived.”
Fighting on hill tops, carrying the wounded and seeing the sight of corpses were daily occurrences during the Korean War.
“I’ve seen lots and lots of men not make it,” Hoelscher said. “How I made it, that’s a good question. I believe the good Lord must have been watching out for me. I’ve had shells come in so close to me that blew me about 20 feet and knocked me out. The medic came over, turned me over and pushed on my chest. When I started breathing again, the medic said ‘I thought you went to hell’ and I told the medic ‘I had a pretty good look at it’.”
Steve Veikley, an Army veteran and close friend of Hoelscher, expressed great admiration for the United Nations Service Medal recipient.
“The Korean War was very vicious” Veikley said. “It needs to be remembered and Ernie serves as an important reminder of what took place.”
When Hoelscher returned home in 1954, there was no hero’s welcome for him and the survivors of the Korean War.
“People would see me and just walk on by,” Hoelscher said. “Even today, I can wear my Korean War veteran hat and very few people will come up to you and shake your hand. Sometimes, I feel that people are not grateful for what we did.”
While honorary receptions are slow to come by in the states, Hoelscher revealed that efforts have been made in South Korea to recognize the veterans and fallen soldiers of the Korean War.
“The Korean people have not forgotten,” Hoelscher said. “We flew back over there last November and the Korean people told us ‘You veterans will always be in our hearts.’ We were there for about two weeks, they gave us the best hotels they had, they took us to smorgasbord three times a day and the only thing we had to pay for was the flight.”
For Hoelscher, the most moving tribute during his return to South Korea was a military salute that featured kids wanting to shake the hands of Korean War veterans.
“They really made us feel welcomed,” Hoelscher said.
According to Hoelscher, it’s never too late to appreciate veterans and Memorial Day should honor its deceased military heroes first and foremost.