TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Les Williams was only 18-years-old when he shipped out midway through the Korean War.
For two years with the Army’s transportation corps, his job was to bring ammunition and other supplies to the front lines.
“Korea, I think, made me grow up,” Williams said. “It probably kept me out of a lot of trouble.”
The Branford, FL native served six years in the military.
After the Korean War ended, he was stationed at a missile research base near the Canadian Arctic. There, he recovered missiles and collected their data.
For his final assignment at Fort Myer just outside of Washington D.C., he delivered classified information to the White House, Pentagon and other top military bases, while also transporting high-ranking officials.
“I haven’t been to Washington, D.C., since 1969,” he said. “It’s kind of like homecoming because I was stationed there for two years and I’m proud to be back in DC one final time.”
Like many veterans on honor flight, he was moved by the outpouring of gratitude.
“I’ve been out of the military since 1958, and I never dreamed that so many people had respect for us veterans, and I appreciate it,” Williams said.
The trip was a family affair for the 92-year-old. His brother-in-law, Luther Koon, a Vietnam veteran, also made the journey. Luther’s son, Bryan, served as their guardian.
“It just draws us closer together,” Luther Koon said.
“I’m just thrilled to be able to escort them here today and watch it through their eyes,” said Bryan Koon, who served 10 years in the Navy himself. “Uncle Les is the most prolific of the storytellers, so I learned a lot of what being in the military was like for him.”
Although not as spry as he once was, Williams was just happy to be a part of the trip.
“I’m really ashamed to have to be sitting in a wheelchair, but it’s better than missing it.”
The Korean War memorial was built in the 1990s, meaning Williams had never been able to pay his respects to those who were lost during the forgotten war.
“I’m anxious to see it. A lot of memories from there,” he said, before the trip embarked to the Korean War Memorial.
And when he finally saw it, he was overwhelmed.
“I didn’t realize this many men died,” he said. “The country’s still divided today, just like it was then. And all these men gave their lives for that. Think about their mom and dad they left behind, and wives and children. Don’t let this happen again, don’t ever let this happen again.”
Despite the heartbreak, Williams’ love of country remains strong.
“I would tell everyone in the United States of America to love your country. Do all you can for your country, because there’s nothing better. Don’t make it worse, make it better.”
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