[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 109 (Friday, June 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1379-E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          KOREAN APPRECIATION

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 1995
  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to meet 
face-to-face with leaders of North Korea and discussed a variety of 
important issues facing our two nations including a pending nuclear 
accord.

[[Page E1380]]

  My talks also focused on the need for our two countries to work 
jointly to resolve the cases of some 8,200 Americans who are still 
listed as missing in action from the Korean war. Certainly, the 
families of these missing Americans believe progress must be made on 
this important front before closer relations develop between our two 
countries.
  Those American servicemen who returned from the Korean war know that 
we can work with Koreans. In fact, many of these veterans fought side 
by side with Koreans from the south as we battled the north. And many 
of these relationships between American and Korean servicemen that were 
first made more than four decades ago continue today.
  In fact, a constituent of mine from Las Vegas, NM, Fredric Stoessel 
who served in Korea, recently told me about a reunion he had with his 
roommate aboard the U.S.S. DH Fox DD779. Mr. Stoessel's roommate, Un-
Soh Ku, was a serviceman in the Korean military and recently retired as 
a captain in the ROC Navy. Mr. Stoessel was so moved by Mr. Ku's 
comments of appreciation to America and our people that he has asked me 
to share his speech with my colleagues in the Congress so that all of 
our constituents can have access to his gratitude.
  At a time when we are trying to resolve outstanding issues with the 
North Koreans and bridge the gap between all Koreans and Americans, I 
believe Mr. Ku's speech will be a welcome addition to the increased 
dialog.
       Chairman of the D.H. FOX Reunion, Ladies and Gentlemen: It 
     is a great honor for me and my wife to attend at this reunion 
     meeting, and I would like to extend my sincere appreciations 
     to my old D.H. FOX shipmates who make me possible to be here 
     after 40 years we had to part. 40 years! It's a quite long 
     years anyway, I'm glad I'm still alive and you people are 
     still here.
       I don't know if it is proper place and time to mention 
     about late ADM, DAER, but it is a most regretable for me ADM. 
     is not here with us. Probably old shipmates of D.H. FOX would 
     remember, ADM. DAER was not only the CAPT. of the FOX but a 
     great teacher for me. I was a just kid when I was assigned to 
     USS FOX and it was a my first assignment as a naval officer 
     who has just graduated from KOREAN NAVAL ACADEMY.
       I think it is my duty to report about my country after the 
     Korean War, because my country was saved by the United States 
     when we had a sudden attack from North-Korea in 1950, USS 
     D.H. FOX is the one of saver of my country, and most brave 
     and brilliant crew of D.H. FOX is here tonight. I am proud of 
     these old shipmates we fought against North Korea and 
     communists shoulder to shoulder.
       After the Korean war in 1953, almost everything was 
     destroyed in every field, and we had to rebuild my country 
     from nothing. From the begining, thanks again, your great 
     country gave us economic, military and other necessary 
     assistances to stand alone, and our people were working hard 
     not only to stand alone, but to make a step forward to 
     develop the country.
       Now, I am happy to report about my country, that my country 
     has grown economically very fast, and one of four Asian 
     Dragon, so called, that means New industrialization country 
     with per capita of more than $6,000. We are working hard to 
     catch up developed countries now.
       Politically, we are now a member of UN organization, and we 
     are doing our best to cooperate with other UN members for the 
     world peace, economic development and other world issues. As 
     you all know, your country helped my country under UN flag 
     during the Korean war, and we owe so much to the UN. Now, our 
     turn to return as much as possible contributions for the 
     world, and we are glad to have the capabilities to do so.
       We are still one of your closest allies, and I am sure the 
     relations will remain forever. Militarily, your armed forces 
     are stationed in my country with our government and the 
     people's request to protect North Korea's threat. As you all 
     know, North Korea is the only Stalinist communist country 
     remain in the word. But we are making our every effort to 
     unify Korea, and we are sure, very near future, we are able 
     to accomplish unified Korea. The international trend is our 
     side and we hope North Koreans will soon open their eyes for 
     the freedom.
       The other fields including social, cultural, and etc., have 
     developed satisfactory, and what I would like to say is that 
     these developments in Korea is the fact, but if Korea is not 
     there will be nothing. Korea's existence was very in danger 
     when we had North Korea's attack in 1950, and your country 
     including you, the crew of the USS D.H. FOX protected against 
     North Korea's invasion, and we are now here. Perhaps, my deep 
     appreciation to you, are not enough, but I would like you to 
     understand I am saying ``Thank you'' from the bottom of my 
     heart.
       After D.H. FOX assignment, I returned to my country and 
     served as a naval intelligent officer ROK Navy until my 
     retirement in 1970 with rank of captain.
       Through my life, the most unforgettable life is with D.H. 
     FOX. Because it was my first assignment and all of shipmates 
     were so kind and quide to me a navy life. I feel shame on 
     myself that I lost contact with such nice my old shipmates 
     for 40 years. Anyway, I'm here for reunion and will never 
     lose the contact even over 60 years old man.
       Well, before closing my speech, I hope you understand my 
     awful English. If any of you happened to have any opportunity 
     to visit Korea, please contact with me. I and my wife will be 
     very happy to have an opportunity to serve you as your 
     friend.
       Thank you, thank you very much.
       

                          ____________________