August 1, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on Friday July 25, in recognition of the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice.
Larry Hume, Post Adjutant, reminded everyone that the war lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.
“Hundreds of thousands of Americans served their country in that war and many gave their lives,” said Hume. “You know some people call the Korean War the forgotten war, but those Americans who served during that time will never be forgotten by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They served honorably and with distinction.”
Hume remarked that some called it a Korean conflict, and that It was not a conflict, but a war. With 33,686 battle deaths, 2,830 non-battle deaths, and 103,000 wounded and still today the missing in action from the Korean War is over 7,600 Americans.
“We can never thank and recognize those who served during that time enough,” said Hume. “Now during the Korean War seven citizens of Shelby County were among those killed in action. One is still missing in action and four others were former prisoners of war who were returned but have since passed.”
The group then recited a Roll Call of Honor read by Theresa Hume, Auxiliary member; Mary Faucett, Auxiliary President; and Mary Roberts, Post Quartermaster, read the names of those killed in action and those who were prisoners of war. Larry Hume stated Willie Windham is still missing in action since August 12, 1950.
After the names were read, Hume stated, “One year ago, on July 1, 2024, our post lost a longtime life member John Alan Piersol. John served as our post commander from 2009 to 2011 and he also served in several other positions throughout the years. He was a charter member of our post honor guard and gave 462 hours rendering final military honors to our Shelby County veterans. John was a proud U.S. Army paratrooper who served in the Korean War and we remember him today on the first anniversary of his death.”
Larry Jones, Post member, then placed the memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Memorial and Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past Post Commander.
Killed in Action:
- Floyd Harris killed in action in September 24, 1950
- Clifford Hughes killed in action August 13, 1950
- Johnny V. Mena killed in action April 19, 1951
- Bobbie F. Mock killed in action November 22, 1950
- Billy Clyde Stephenson killed in action November 5, 1952
- Leonard Williams killed in action May 18, 1951
- Willie Wilson killed in action May 27, 1951
Missing in Action:
- Willie E. Windham missing in action since August 12, 1950
Prisoners of War:
- Herbert L. Langford, North Korean prisoner of war
- Pearl D. Lucas, North Korean prisoner of war
- Billy Westcoat, Chinese prisoner of war
- Leonard Scott, North Korean prisoner of war
