AFMC Command News

Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff donates items to museum's Korean War exhibit

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
DAYTON, Ohio --  General Lee Kae Hoon, Republic of Korea Air Force Chief of Staff, donated items to the National Museum of the United States Air Force during a visit on April 19. The items will be used in the museum's Korean War exhibit, which is being completely redesigned to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War.

The donated items included an Ulchi Medal, the Republic of Korea's second highest military award. This decoration was posthumously awarded to Capt. Lim Taek Soon, who was one of the Korean Air Force's first heroes. Also among the items was combat pilot Lee Baesun's operations log, which he wrote throughout 48 missions in 1952.

"We are honored to recognize in these exhibits our wartime allies such as the Korean Air Force," said Terry Aitken, the museum's senior curator.

The museum's Korean War exhibit is slated to re-open on June 24, in conjunction with the sixth annual Air Force Materiel Command Freedom's Call Tattoo scheduled for June 25 on the grounds of the museum. Gates open for this free event at 4 p.m., with the main show begining at 8 p.m.

This year's Tattoo theme is 'Reflections on 60 years' and will commemorate veterans from the Korean War, which began June 25, 1950, around the 38th parallel.

Freedom's Call Tattoo 2010 will recognize the contributions of our military veterans, their families and all Americans who support them with a spectacular presentation of flyovers, music, narration and fireworks. This annual free event, hosted by AFMC and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, also highlights Air Force Airmen, Air Force capabilities and strengthens bonds with neighboring communities.

Veterans from the Korean War will be in attendance, and will be honored as part of the event's program. The tribute will also include music from the era, performed by the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight, U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty and the Air National Guard Band of the Great Lakes.

Look for more information about Freedom's Call Tattoo 2010 on Facebook by becoming a fan of AFMC_Now. You can also follow AFMC_Now on Twitter or visit www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo for additional event information.