AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Amarillo Veterans of Foreign Wars organization announced two local Korean War veterans will be recognized by the Republic of Korea at a ceremony Wednesday, during which both veterans will receive Ambassador for Peace Medals.
According to organizers, Airman First Class Claud Tugwell Jr. of the United States Airforce and Sergeant Dan McKinney, a former prisoner of war, will be honored during the ceremony “for their enduring courage and commitment during the conflict often referred to as “The Forgotten War.””
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The ceremony is set to be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Amarillo VFW Post 1475, located at 1401 SW 8th Ave.
Organizers said Tugwell served during the Korean War, which lasted from June 25, 1950 through July 27, 1953. McKinney also served in that period, including time as a POW during the conflict.
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“The Ambassador for Peace Medal is an honor from the Republic of Korea to all American service members who defended their freedom during the Korean War theater of operations or participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955,” said the Amarillo VFW in its ceremony announcement. “It signifies the lasting gratitude of the Korean people for the sacrifices made by the American military.”…