Your source for news in Hot Springs County

Stanhope receives Ambassador for Peace Medal

Gary Stanhope recently received the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Korean Government/Republic of Korea.

Stanhope grew up in eastern Montana. He had just got out of high school when he was drafted in the Army - completing his basic training in Washington - and shipped out to Korea in 1953. He married his wife, Jean, shortly after being drafted, but had to leave her and his soon-to-be firstborn son while he was gone.

On the trip over, the armistice was signed declaring the war with Korea over, and he spent the next two years in Korea on the cleanup crew. He didn't like the destruction caused in the country, and so never spoke about his time there; he still doesn't like to eat rice to this day.

He stated "the winters were much like it is here," except they slept in tents with their Army buddies. He made some good friends in the Army, and kept in touch with many of them through the years. 

Though he and his wife were willing to adopt an orphaned Korean boy, the child was killed in a landslide before the paperwork was in place. The couple remains married to this day, and his family is proud of him for fulfilling his duty to his country.

After returning home in 1955, with the rank of a Private, Gary worked in the oil industry in Montana and Wyoming the rest of his working career. He retired in 1990, moving to Thermopolis to make their home. 

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/27/2024 13:30