The Shadow
On Tuesday, July 25th, Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary changed the Wall of Valor at the local post office to honor Korean War Veterans. There were so many veterans during this war we could not begin to honor them all.
The new board reflects some of the veterans who gave some and some of the veterans who gave all.
The three veterans who GAVE ALL were PVT 1st Class Henry Lee Lipes, US Army KIA 3/15/1951, and Purple Heart recipient posthumously on 5/15/1951. CPL Ralph L. Cale – US Army KIA 1950. His remains were returned 70 years later and he is now interned at Arlington National Cemetery. Lt. Colonel William Edwin Dressler – US Army KIA July 24, 1950. His remains were found two years later in a foxhole and returned to his family. Dressler was a decorated veteran of WWII and received many awards for his leadership and valor.
The names of the other veterans on the board include:
CPL Frederick McCormick – US Army Korea and World War II. McCormick received the Korean Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars.
PVT Norris Alton Paxton – US Army
PVT Dewey Lee Paxton, Jr. – US Army
CPL Norbourne E Paxton – US Army. Paxton received Korean Service Medal W/3.
(These three Paxton brothers did not serve in Korea at the same time but each went when they were called to serve their country.)
S1 Calvin Eugene Ayers – US Navy
PVT 1st Class Bertrand Raymond Seay – US Air Force. Received Good Conduct Medal and a medal for Korean defense.
Dr. Jack Backels – US Navy.
Representing Curis A Smith VFW Post 1033 were Auxiliary Conductress, Phylis Givens, Auxiliary President Marian Paxton, Auxiliary member, Mary Lee Cooke and Post Chaplain Paul Linkenhoker. Representing the post office were carriers Brett Smith and Kristie Martin and clerk, Luscinda Pierce.
We honor all of these veterans on this board and thank their families for sharing their loved ones with us. We also would like to express thanks to the Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society for their help in preparing this board. Please take a moment to go by the post office and see the many veterans who supported our flag and our country.
