Korean War Veteran Presents Award To Burke Civil Air Patrol Cadet

BURKE, VA — The Burke Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol hosted Korean War veteran Colonel Warren Wiedhahn, who spoke about his experiences in the war and presented a cadet with his Civil Air Patrol achievement award.

Wiedhahn, a Marine, fought in the Korean War, from his initial landing in Busan to eventually fighting in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. At the time, Wiedhahn was a private first class and 19 years old when he first landed at Busan.

At last Thursday's event in Springfield, Wiedhahn recounted the weather causing many casualties during the fight around Busan, which would be a common theme during the Korean War. He stated that “beans, bullets and bandages” were crucial in helping the Marines fight in the war.

Wiedhahn presented the Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet Second Lieutenant Yacov Schwartz. The Mitchell Award is a milestone achievement for cadets that marks their first step into the officer ranks, which represents an elevated level of responsibility and commitment to the squadron and Civil Air Patrol as a whole.

At the meeting, Colonel Elizabeth Sydow, commander of the Virginia Wing, also awarded the Amelia Earhart Award to Cadet Captain William Lam. The Earhart Award is another milestone achievement, like the Mitchell Award, and it reflects gained knowledge and skill of a senior cadet leader.

Lam serves as the cadet commander, leading the over 70 cadets in the squadron.

The Burke Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol has about 100 members. The squadron meets at Irving Middle School in Springfield on Thursday nights. The Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, with 22 squadrons spread across the state, has about 1,800 members, 12 light aircraft, and 29 multipurpose vehicles.