Yonkers Times: Honoring Westchester's Korean War Veterans, With an Iwo Jima Survivor

And All photos (c) Robert Kalfus

Six of New York State’s elected officials honored Korean War Veterans at an event at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veteran’s Memorial on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Senate State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins then led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Grace Morea, as performed by the West Point Brass Quintet, which also performed America the Beautiful.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Dan Morea, Veterans Service Officer, Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, a Vietnam Veteran, introduced Sgt. Randy Jurgensen,

a Korean War Veteran who spoke movingly of his service, recalling being pinned down under assaults of waves of North Korean gunfire and hellish freezing weather conditions at Pork Chop Hill, Chosin Reservoir in North Korea and other battles. Sgt. Jurgensen reminded all that the men and women who fought for Korea’s freedom, and who laid down their lives for freedom, are responsible for South Korea’s prosperous economy and today’s freedoms.

Every one of the Korean War Veterans present received a Presentation of Senate Resolution J548, celebrating “the courage and bravery of New York State’s Korean War Veterans.” Dan Morea read the names of all of Westchester’s Korean War Veterans who are no longer with us, followed by “Taps” performed by the West Point Brass Quintet. State Senator Shelley Mayer and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins were responsible for creating New York State’s recognition of Korean War Veterans.

On May 27, 20205, US Army veteran Sgt. Randy Jurgensen of Dobbs Ferry, was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2025, by NY State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, honoring his service for the United States in Korea, 1951 to 1953. On June 25, 1950, about 135,000 communist North Korean invaded the Republic of Korea (ROK), initiating the conflict. On June 27, 1950, then-President Harry Truman ordered the United States Armed Forces to help the Republic of Korea defend itself. The military action in Korea, in which 1,789,00 American soldiers served, were joined initially by about 2.2 million soldiers from 14 other nations including United Nations troops. More than 36,000 American troops died during 1950 to1953, and more than 103,000 wounded. About 7,245 American soldiers were captured, 2,806 died in captivity, 4,418 deceased bodies were returned, and 931 remained unaccounted for. The US never formally declared war, the conflict was never classified as a war, but as a “police action”, and the conflict ended in an armistice rather than a clear victory. Those who served never received their proper recognition and felt that it was their “Forgotten War.”.

Approximately 1.3 million volunteered during 1950 to 1953, and the Selective Service drafted over 1.5 million between the ages of 18.5 to 35 for an average of two years of service.

Korean War Veteran Joe Cirillo greeted his buddy and fellow Korean veteran Randy Jurgensen, and one of the oldest veterans present was Nils Mockler, a survivor of Iwo Jima.

The oldest son of Harlem superintendents, Randy served both as a Paratrooper and a Green Beret in Korea. His military accolades include three Bronze Stars ad the prestigious Purple Heart. His Army helmet is on display at West Point.

As a Detective, Randy worked the streets of Harlem for 16 years, during which time the murder of Police Officer Philip Cardillo at Harlem’s Mosque #7 became the catalyst for one of the largest scandals in the history of the NYPD. He was a NYPD Detective, is an author, and actor. Jurgensen has produced or appeared in over 50 films and television shows. His book “Circle of Six” lifts the curtain and sheds light on some of the darkest days of the NYPD.