05/24/2024
A young Soldier Gone, But Not Forgotten
Circa, December 1950, The Korean War
Dear Soldier,
I hope this letter finds you well & safe from the chaos you are facing each day. Please know that I write this letter to you in spirit as I try to place myself in a frame of mind that you must have been in on a daily basis since your enlistment in the Army back in April of 1949 (age 17). I so respect your sense of duty to your country & the courage you had to join in the fight of the Korean conflict back in the day. I have read and heard your story many times and can’t imagine what you have been exposed to at such a young age…and from what I am told you endured & handled yourself extremely well under the most dire of circumstances and… were looked upon by your fellow soldiers as an inspirational figure to deal with adversity for the good of those around you.
I read the poem you wrote in your foxhole on Christmas Eve, 1950 and tried to put myself in there with you! Back home in Swain, NY, your family was celebrating the season and its traditions that I’m sure your heart longed to be there for. Be alert…was an attack on your position on the mind of the enemy this night…was this to be the way you would spend this holiday…killing or being killed? God was with you this Holy night…all was quiet for now and it was safe as the sun shed light on Christmas day. Canned rations for breakfast, and a Merry Christmas greeting from foxhole to foxhole…we made it to celebrate Christmas boys!!
Two months later (February 12, 1951) your family was notified that you were missing in action and feared dead. It was later confirmed that you were captured by Korean troops and some months later, died in a prison camp.
I first learned of your story many years ago from my Dad & watched him kneel to pray at your grave site many times as well. If you were there in spirit, you witnessed the tears and felt his sense of loss… but most of all his love for you! I sure did!
Soldier (Omar), you are not forgotten, I promise you! Your life & story will not be forgotten. Thanks to your high school friend (and fellow soldier) Bud …you have a highway dedicated and named after you. He told me so many things about you and thanks to his efforts, you live on. I am grateful to him and all he did in memory of you…that was his way of honoring his friend. I was asked by your sister Betty to be the caretaker of your flag & medals. I am honored to do so.
A lot of our family has joined you in rest over the years and I hope your reunion with them was a grand experience. My Dad was truly shaken every time we visited your grave site. We never spoke during those visits…I knew it was his time to feel your presence, so I stayed silent. Please know that I always enjoyed visiting your grave as a youngster and the days when Dad was in the twilight years of his life… and I needed to drive him there for a visit. I hope your reunion with him was a great experience! Thank you again for making the ultimate sacrifice to keep yours and other families safe and free.
You did your duty young Soldier! I will never forget you and your story. Rest in peace… knowing that you will never be forgotten!
Bob Blauers
