The annual Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Fayetteville National Cemetery saw a heartfelt tribute from Korean War veteran Milton Walker. A longtime resident of Bella Vista, Walker attended the ceremony to honor all veterans, sharing his personal story of survival during the Korean War.

A Veteran’s Story

Walker, now 95, recounted his experiences as a Marine in the Korean War. He wore a blue cap emblazoned with ‘The Chosin Few,’ a reference to the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where he served. On August 3, 1950, Walker found himself with the fire brigade of the 1st Marine Division, tasked with protecting the Busan perimeter. Surrounded by elite Chinese divisions, the odds were daunting, with Walker describing them as ’10 or 11 to 1.’

Despite the harsh conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and cut-off supply lines, Walker and his fellow Marines persevered. A surprise supply drop of tootsie rolls, mistakenly sent due to an artillery unit’s nickname for their shells, provided unexpected sustenance until they safely reached the coast.

Legacy and Family

Walker maintains contact with a few other members of ‘The Chosin Few,’ though their numbers are dwindling. Approaching his 96th birthday on June 30, Walker expressed his enjoyment of life and appreciation for all veterans. His legacy continues through his family, with three grandchildren serving in the U.S. military, including a granddaughter who is a doctor in the Air Force.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.