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Lopaka

Reflection

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As I sit on my back porch overlooking a beautiful farm and enjoying a good smoke, I'm able to reflect on many things.

In October I'll be celebrating 13 years of defense of this wonderful nation. I've been able to go to many places and see many monuments, museums, and things that many people will never see. I visited a American Memorial Cemetery in Belgium for the 65th Anniversary of V-E day. For this, as an American, Veteran, and historian; I'm humbled and grateful.

A few days ago, I got an email from someone looking for information about the individual that I have worn on my right wrist for almost 21 years.

1 July 1989, Moffett Field Air Show, I purchased 2 red and 1 blue bracelet. PO1 Glenn E. Asmessun USN, Specialist Five Donald C. Grella USA (both Vietnam), and Lt. Orville M. Cook USN (Korea). I wore these 3 names with honor. I wore them for people to ask, what are they and why do you wear them? When asked, "why do you where them?" I would simply answer, "Because of that question."

In '97 I gave to an Army bud SP5 Donald C. Grella because I knew when joining the Air Force that I would only be able to wear 1 bracelet. I decided to keep Lt. Orville M. Cook because when someone sees POW/MIA bracelets, there normally are from Vietnam or Desert Storm. I'm the only one I've known wearing a Korean War. Interestingly, the Korean War is also known as "The Forgotten War". My blue bracelet broke 2 weeks before I shipped out for basic training. I order a sterling silver that I get 2 weeks after I complete basic, it's been on my wrist since...

Since 2000 and the wide spread use of the internet, I've been able to peice together the man that I wear on my right wrist...

Born 11 March 1922
MIA: 18 July 1951 (North Korea)

Navy Cross x3
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal

Flew in the Battle of the Philippine Sea (aka the Mariana's Turkey Shoot) downing 2 enemy planes and landing at night on the USS Lexington

Flew from the Bonn Home Richard leading attack on bridge in North Korea when shot down.

Status: MIA

A brief synopsis of what I know...still learning more!

I happen to look on the DPMO (Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Office) to find that SP5 Donald C. Grella has been found and identified! WOW. Goose bumps ran through me. I really hope that my friend of years ago breaks that bracelet in half as the tradition holds. I wish I could be there, knowing that I wore that name for 8 years.

I hope and pray that Lt Cook returns to his family. The person that e-mailed me knows Lt. Cooks sister. Maybe more information will be discovered...

I reflect and look at the silver that is still on my right wrist, a few have asked when will I take it off. This year marks Lt. Cooks 88th birthday. Some have asked, will I take it off on his 100th birthday? Will I take it off in 2051 when it's been 100 years since his disappearance. I have thought of this...

The answer is simple, I remove it when he comes home.

If I go before that time, maybe my son with continue the honor that I have held for 21 years...

This is from the heart of an Iraqi Freedom, Operations Northern/Southern Watch Vet.

Thanks for your patience and time.

Lopaka

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Comments

  1. buzz's Avatar
    That is awesome man, thanks for the info - and thanks for your service!
  2. mrtr33's Avatar
    Goosebumps................

    I love researching things. Something like this would be right up my alley. Sometimes I wonder if I'm in the right profession, or if I shouldn't be a private investigator. I certainly understand the difficulty in researching this specific case, however. It would be interesting to continue correspondence with his sister.

    Thank you very much for your service, sir. We are grateful.
  3. ashauler's Avatar
    My father is a veteran of the "Forgotten War", he was US Navy as well. I thank you for honoring this sailor specifically, and as always, for your continuing service to our country.
  4. badwhale's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by ashauler
    My father is a veteran of the "Forgotten War", he was US Navy as well. I thank you for honoring this sailor specifically, and as always, for your continuing service to our country.
    My dad was Navy in Korea too. He's turning 80 this year.