The museum preserved history as it happened on Tuesday.
Two veterans of the Korean War were honored by the South Korean government for their service protecting South Korean democracy on June 18.
Hugo Bauer and Neil DeDontney were awarded the Ambassador for Peace medal by Consol General Joon-yong Park, on behalf of his government. DeDontney’s medal was awarded posthumously and accepted by his youngest son Jay.
The award is given to each member of the U.S. military who served in the Korean War. Park said he has traveled to 23 locations and given 287 medals to veterans personally.
“I thought that one of my great jobs is to show how greatful the Korean people remain to U.S. veterans,” he said. “This is a small event, but it is very meaningful.”
Family of both men were in attendance and Jay DeDontney gave a small speech in memory of his father.
His father had also served in World War II, where he lost a brother. Jay said his father died at the onset of another war, Vietnam, when Jay was still young. He held onto the memories he had, though, recalling watching the moon landing with his dad.
Bauer said it was a great honor to receive the award. Bauer served as a sergeant in Strategic Air Command with the 84th Aircraft. He was at the armistice on July 27, 1953 in P’anmunjŏm and served abroad for 33 months.
