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CU to host reception for Korean Conflict soldiers in new book

June 26, 2012
For Immediate Release

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — A book honoring those from Taylor County who served during the Korean Conflict will be unveiled on Wednesday, July 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the lobby of Carter Hall on the campus of Campbellsville University.

The book, written by Department of Mass Communication students at the university, features the stories of 11 veterans. They are Gene Hall, Jack Hamlin, Wilburn Hedgespeth, David L. Henderson Sr., Floyd Jump, Melvin Doug Martin, William E. Newcomb, Ralph Coomer, Alan Humphress, Richard Page and William “Bill” Spears.

It took about two years to complete the book, according to Stan McKinney, associate professor of journalism at Campbellsville University who served as editor along with Rick Wilson, who recently completed his master’s degree at CU.

The writers were students in several CU journalism classes.

The book is the second in a series titled “They Were Soldiers.” The first book included stories about World War II veterans from Taylor County.

The idea was to tell the stories of those from Taylor County who served during war, McKinney said. He said the Korean Conflict began on June 25, 1950 and ended on July 27, 1953.

Many from Taylor County served in Korea after that, McKinney said, and while their service and sacrifice are appreciated, the 40-page book contains only stories of those who actually fought during the conflict.

Some veterans didn’t want to be included in the book, McKinney said. He said multiple attempts were made to identify those from Taylor County who served during the conflict.

“If anyone was left out, I apologize,” McKinney said. “We made a sincere effort to include everyone who fought during the conflict. Our intention was to record their stories for future generations.”

A copy of the book will be given to each veteran whose story is featured as well as ones to area libraries.

“The stories are quite interesting,” McKinney said. “There are also some fascinating photographs of these men during their time in Korea.”

Those featured in the book have been invited to the book unveiling and signing.

Publication of the book, along with the one about World War II, was possible through a grant from the WEL (Writing, Engagement, Learning) Program at Campbellsville University.

Copies of the book may be purchased that day for $10 each. All proceeds will go into a scholarship fund for mass communication students at Campbellsville University.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master’s degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.