12
MEMORIES
by Hyun Jo Kim ’16
For three years, between June 1950 and July 1953 – and far
beyond, the Korean War has had an impact on my home
country. I am a native of Seoul, South Korea, a world away
from St. Paul’s School. But on one of my many walks through
the center of our New Hampshire campus, I discovered an
often-neglected memorial to School alumni who fought in
the war that helped to liberate and revolutionize my country.
I truly appreciate their service and sacrifice and it made me
feel much closer to home.
While not always remembered as clearly as the Vietnam War
that followed it, the Korean War holds great historical and
political significance in establishing democracy in Asian nations.
Before the war, Korea had just declared independence after
30 years of Japanese occupation that resulted in an ineffectual
government. At the war’s conclusion, South Korea elected its
first president and started to build a foundation for democracy
and economic prosperity. Some historians credit the Korean
War with inspiring the people of South Korea to work for a
common goal. The unity developed in the post-war period
later became the driving force of the so-called “Miracle on
the Han River,” an impressive surge of the Korean economy.
Many historians and social scientists note that the political
and economic development in South Korea was made possible
by the support of the American military, including those men
who graduated from St. Paul’s.
The firsthand experiences of Korean War veterans offers a
vivid picture of how the U.S. military played a crucial role in
establishing the legitimate and functioning government of the
South Korea I know today. From their sacrifices on the battle-
fields to offering guidelines for governmental structures and
basic necessities for the devastated citizens, the contributions
of the U.S. military should be celebrated. I consider it an honor
and a privilege to have been able to interview and now share
the stories of three St. Paul’s alumni who served in the Korean
War; Mr. William Matthew Iler ’44, whose post-war service
included involvement with the Armed Forces Aid to Korea
(AFAK) program; Mr. James Wesley Kinnear III ’46, who
partook in the famous Inchon landing executed by General
MacArthur; and Mr. Charles Sprague Boit ’49, who was part
of the reconstruction efforts in post-war Korea.
It is my sincerest hope that the sacrifices of these gentle-
men be rightfully commemorated, as their part in world
history is an honorable truth that transcends race, age,
and experience.
Honoring Sacri
William Matthew Iler ’44
