Korean War hero comes home

Terre Haute Tribune-Star | 21 May 2004 | Nicko

[nicko]

don't know if this is the right way to do this, but Freerepublic has been my family for some time-

For my Pop, who passed away today- "Cpl Wayne E. Harden, 1539 Sixth Avenue, has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in action near Hukau-ri, Korea, according to an Army news release. Harden was a member of the Heavy Mortar Company of the Seventh Infantry Regiment, Third Division, and was cited for his actions on Dec. 5, 1950." For those who know the history, his Regiment and others supported the Marines deployed up and along the Chosin Reservoir. I've included a piece that I finished not long ago, that I dedicate to him today-

Korean War Memorial

it should only be open when we are weary of winter… and hopeless with fatigue…

and then too, open only at dusk- as shadows of the statues sink into the abyss- to share the dark despair of those desperate souls cast into such a cold Asian hell- on the road from Chosin…

where wind driven scythes of sleet and snow, and Communist Chinese, barreled screaming down nameless numbered ridges, and barren hills, slicing through the struggling squads of soldiers, Marines…

all trapped- like the apparitions etched on this granite wall, forever to wait for the false warmth of a bleak sunrise…

Mark E. Harden

forgive the mistakes- I've been toasting that damn Irishman for several hours now...

[somemoreequalthanothers]

Always tough to lose a parent. Enjoy your celebration of his life.

[nicko]

thanks, deadhead...spent many, many days and nights in Evansville...I drove through it once a week for three years on the way to Terre Haute...

[nicko]

thank you, microgood...

[nicko]

thanks Cavtrooper21...I love the Marines...no greater Warriors in the world than the Marines- every where you looked in downtown Mogadish were the words splashed in red paint, Semper Fi...thanks for your service-

[nicko]

thank you, somemoreequalthanothers...

[cavtrooper21]

I like 'em a lot too.. Many are good friends (almost family) and there is a "China" Marine in the family tree.
...God Bless them All.

[Militiaman7]

R.I.P.,Cpl Wayne E. Harden, Your duty is done.

Prayers and condolences

[Lurking in Kansas]

My sympathies on your loss. My father is also a Korean vet; 2nd ID 38th REG. I’ve listened to his stories for years, at least the ones he is able to tell without getting choked up.

May God bless you. I am so sorry.

[nicko]

thank you, Militiaman7...his work is indeed done...

[nicko]

thank you Lurking in Kansas...all of them paid the price so we can sit here, drink beer, and write about their service...

[BJClinton]

A toast from an Austinite. God bless.

[arjay]

Our condolences on the loss of your father. We appreciate his service.

[lancer]

You have some shoes to fill and you seem to be up to it. God bless you and your dad!

If you get a chance and want an excellent history of the Korean War, read T.R. Fehrenbach, This Kind of War, written in late '50s or early '60s, can't remember which, but by an officer who was there.

[Dubya]

I am proud of him and for you.

Semper Fi brother.

[maxwellp]

I know there's a special place in heaven for our American military. As am American I am very proud of your father.

[Chieftain]

You have a proud heritage.

[dd5339]

Every year at the Marine Corps birthday I raise a toast to Absent Comrades. I'll include your father this year.

Semper Fidelis and God bless

[Americanwolf]

Bueatiful piece....Mistakes forgiven. Keep toasting that Irishman. From one Irishman to another I shall raise a parting glass to him tonight and to all that that we have lost. Good Bless and Slaite!

[Chong]

Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Your Pop is my hero without whom I would not be alive and enjoying freedom. "Thank you" seems so inadequate...

Dear Lord,
I lift up Mark E. Harden in prayer. His father, Cpl Wayne E. Harden, is with You now to begin his new eternal life. I ask that You surround his family with love and comfort them in these difficult times. He was a patriot who served his country well and I ask that You bless his family many folds. Help them celebrate his life on earth even through their tears, assure them that they will one day be reunited in Heaven. Ease their pain and sorrow, Lord, gather them in Your arms and embrace them with healing love.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[nicko]

thank you Chong...between the two of us (my Father and myself) we spent seven years in Korea...someday I would like to visit North Korea and walk the ground he walked...appreciate the prayer...