05/18/2026
KOREAN WAR 1950 -1953
As one reviews the history of the Korean War we conclude that this war could be called, “The War With No Resolution” because it ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.
The cause of the Korean War followed WW II as Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union supported a communist regime in the North, while the United States supported the South. The conflict was initiated on June 25, 1950 when the North Korean army crossed the 38th parallel and the United Nations became involved. President Harry S. Truman was in office from 1945 – 1953 and sent forces under the United Nations sanction to repel the attack to support South Korea.
President Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command on April 11, 1951. The firing occurred due to insubordination and public disagreement over Korean War policy, as MacArthur advocated expanding the conflict into China while Truman sought a limited war to avoid broader escalation and the possibility of WW III.
Within 13 months, by July 1951, battle lines stabilized near the 38th parallel, turning the war into a stalemate until the July 27, 1953 armistice agreement. Dwight D. Eisenhower took office in January 1953 and presided over the final armistice ending active combat on July 27, 1953.
The war concluded with The United Nations Command (representing the United States) China and North Korea signing the agreement, but South Korea did not sign and because they did not sign the peace treaty, North and South Korea remain in a technical state of war to this day, which has created one of the world’s most heavily armed borders, the DMZ.
The war left a devastating legacy with up to five million Koreans killed, a majority of whom were civilians and prisoners of war choosing not to return to the North.
The Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. is a testament to the harsh winter of 1950-1951.The extreme cold weather was an enemy equal to or worse than the opposing Chinese and North Korean forces. Temperatures fell to 35-50 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and 5,300 American troops suffered from frostbite losing fingers, toes and limbs. The subzero temperatures caused weapons to freeze and malfunction, vehicles were inoperable and medical supplies like plasma and morphine froze. Our veterans said that the cold and the constant debilitating wind from Siberia required as much endurance as the combat itself and made it impossible to distinguish between casualties from fighting and those from freezing.
THE FOLLOWING ARE MEMORIES AND PHOTOS SHARED BY FAMILY
MEMBERS OF FOUR KOREAN WAR VETERANS WHOSE FINAL RESTING PLACE IS
ROSELAWN’S SACRED GROUNDS
Note: the italics in each story, which is a testament to our veterans who chose to refrain from speaking of days spent in conflict
CHARLES DIONESE 1932-2015
My dad was a proud Marine but he didn’t talk much about his time in Korea. He received numerous medals that I have placed in a shadow box and we treasure a tote that holds all of the heartfelt letters he wrote to his parents. His letters referred to the men in his unit as family, reflected their close bond and his concern about the lack of proper clothing for the troops during the unbearable cold winter months. As we had the nuclear edge, he was thankful Korea never became WWW III. Cooking was his passion and the highlight of his days is when he was asked to be the cook for the officers. His honorable discharge lists his rank as Corporal.
Submitted by: Daughter Roxanne Dionese
William E. Poeppel 1932 - 2006
William joined the Marines after graduating high school in 1950, much to his parents disapproval. He served in a tank battalion in Korea and fortunately returned in one piece. He finished his enlistment in San Francisco escorting deceased Marines to their stateside homes. He loved being a Marine but hated Korea and shared very little of his Korean days. He served in the reserves for several years after his honorable discharge. He received the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean PUC and Good Conduct Medal.
Submitted by: Wife Anita Jagunich
Charles Edward Shomaker 1927 – 2013
My Dad was known as “Babe” and he was the owner and operator of Shomaker Electric until his retirement. He served in Korea but he didn’t talk about it much, as seeing the Korean children with very little clothing and sometimes naked in the freezing temperatures haunted his memory. One day going thru a box I ran across a sling shot and asked my dad why he had it. It was one of the few times that he spoke about Korea. He said the rats in Korea were huge and that he’d never seen rodent infestation to that degree. In self-defense he made the sling shot to ward off the rats and kept it as a reminder that he was home and safe. War is hell on many fronts, and our veterans deserve to be honored, as they have endured living conditions and experiences that we cannot even imagine.
Submitted by: Son Craig Shomaker
Carl Eldon Ruzanski� 1931 - 1999
Was born in Walsenburg, Colorado. He served with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division and worked as a switchboard operator and wire man, which required him to be the first to move forward to lay communication lines so his fellow Marines could stay connected in combat. This was dangerous, as what looked like tree stumps often were hidden enemy soldiers. His duties required him to hang from low-flying helicopters to lay communication lines.
The loss of his personal friend from Pueblo during a land mine explosion was a reminder of the cost of war. Fortunately Carl was spared and received a minor chin injury.
He was promoted to Corporal on June 28, 1952. Carl was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Medal. Honorably discharged in March of 1954.
Before the war, he was known as a skilled hunter and an excellent marksman. But after the war he never hunted again and he chose not to keep guns in his home. Though he did not speak often about his time in Korea, his service, sacrifice, and strength were evident in his actions and the life he lived afterward. Carl Eldon Ruzanski served his country with courage and honor, and his story remains a lasting tribute to the resilience and dedication of those who have worn the uniform.
Submitted by: Daughter Debbie Watts
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CONCLUSION:
As we conclude each month's spotlight of history we have a better understanding of Wreaths Across America's motto:
REMEMBER the FALLEN * HONOR those who SERVED * TEACH our children the value of FREEDOM
• The attached sponsorship form is provided.
• 2026 is the first year Roselawn has offered the Family Tree Page as an option for sponsorship, your family name will be part of the Family Tree in the WAA 2026 program.
• Sponsor 5 wreaths @ $17 ea = $85
• Names of veterans sponsored will be acknowledged on a separate page as those who served
• Sponsors names will be acknowledged on a separate page
• Our goal for 2026 is to have a wreath for each and every one of the 4,000 veterans whose final resting place is Roselawn's sacred grounds.
• Your support is appreciated as we join hands to commemorate our veterans on Saturday December 19, 2026 at 12:00 noon for Roselawn's 8th Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony.
