This is the official VIC 4 VETS Honor Roll, highlighting our Honored Veterans during Veterans Appreciation Month.
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Bongner
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Good morning, Ken!
I would like you and Vic to honor Harry Hope but I'd like to know when you will do it so that I can alert Harry and his wife Terry in advance. They live at Friendship Village in Chesterfield. Shelly's sister, Julie (my girlfriend) might be able to arrange for the radio to be on in a group lounge so that many others can listen.
UPDATE!
I just want to let you know that Julie arranged for the show to be broadcast in one of the common areas out at Friendship Village. We can expect a large gathering to listen to Harry's commemoration.
I really appreciate you and Vic honoring our veterans, especially Harry.
Sincerely,
Mike Bongner
Here is Harry's story:
Harry H. Hope is a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Korean War veteran and one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir (Nov–Dec 1950)—one of the most brutal and famous engagements in U.S. military history. Survivors are referred to as "The Chosin Few". (Note the spelling for reference.)
- Harry Hope joined the U.S. Navy in 1947 and transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948
- The battle took place in extreme cold (down to −40°F) and behind enemy lines for about 2½ weeks, outnumbered by tens of thousands of Chinese troops. Actual numbers are estimated at 30,000 UN troops vs. 120,000 Chinese.
- Supplies ran dangerously low—food, ammunition, and equipment were scarce. Lubrication in their weapons froze, rendering them useless.
- Harry loves to tell the story about the time a request for “Tootsie Rolls” was sent but misinterpreted. Tootsie Rolls was a code word for mortar rounds but the person receiving the message hadn't been alerted to that. As a result, they literally dropped several thousand ACTUAL Tootsie Rolls. A second request was sent, but this time they requested the Tootsie Rolls that go BOOM!
- The candy was still useful, as it didn’t freeze solid and helped provide energy. To this day, the manufacturer sends Harry Tootsie Rolls, wrapped in a special Flag Wrapper so that he can give them away while telling his story.
- Harry suffered frostbite injuries that affect him today and will for the rest of his life.
- There are only a few remaining survivors of that battle and they remain in touch with each other.
- Harry earned 22 medals, ribbons, and citations, including:
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Korean Presidential Citation
- Korean Service Medal
- United Nations Service Medal
- Harry continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve and the Missouri National Guard until finally retiring from military service in 1991.
- Harry is the founder of the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, helping veterans visit memorials in Washington, D.C.
- Harry Hope represents of one of the most extreme combat experiences in U.S. history. His life spans frontline combat in subzero conditions, decades of continued military service, and major contributions to preserving veteran memory and honoring fellow servicemen.
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Today's VIC 4 VETS Honor Roll Inductees,
Honored Veterans on NewsTalkSTL.
With support from our friends at: Alamo Military Collectables,
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