Editor:
I sincerely thank the Statesboro Herald and Julie Lavender for the flattering article re my recent trip to tour the war veterans' memorials in Washington, D.C. I am also grateful for the many favorable comments I have received from several people who took the time to read it. I was truly honored by the Honor Flight Savannah organization, and the trip would not have been possible without their kindness.
I want to iterate that I am not a hero, although I served with some very brave men, and the group with whom I traveled to Washington are indeed heroes, each and all.
Nor does anyone owe me anything for my service; I served because this is my country, and I simply did my duty.
I enlisted (volunteered) for army service in June 1950. My brother was stationed in Japan at the outbreak of the Korean War, and he was wounded when the Chinese entered the conflict. When I learned of his injuries, I requested (volunteered) to be sent to the war zone.
It would not be until December 1951 before that request was granted, but I got what I asked. After serving several months in the city of Seoul, I volunteered for front-line duty. The army was kind enough to grant my every request. So I got what I asked for, and I asked for all that I got!
Plus, I received an extra forty-five dollars pay each month I was assigned to combat units!
No, I am not a hero, but I do feel a sense of pride when someone says to me, "I thank you for your service."
But there are so many men and women who deserve that thanks more than I. And let me make it very clear: yes, I would do it all over again!
My thanks, as well, to nurse Jane Flack of Metter, who was my assigned "guardian" for the Washington tour — what a truly wonderful person is she!
Carl E. Ledbetter, Sr.
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