VFW Post 3278 awarded the Commemorative Korean Service Medal to SFC A. J. Pepper, USA, Retired on Wednesday evening.

The Cold War began on June 24, 1948 after the Soviet Union made it plain that it intended to disrupt American foreign policy by invoking the Berlin Blockage. On June 25, 1950 the Soviet’s unleashed their surrogate forces, the North Korean Communists, in an unprovoked attack on South Korea. Three years later the first of the containments wars was over.  A veteran of this conflict, Pepper was recognized by the VFW.

SFC A. J. Pepper, USA, Ret., having met the requirement for the Commemorative Korean Service Medal as set by the United States Congress and the Department of the Army, was awarded the medal which honors those who served during the Korean War.   The Commemorative Korea Service Medal (KSM) is authorized to members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas. Service members must have been assigned, attached or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility.

SFC Pepper (pictured above) has been honored other awards including the Korean Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Japan) and Combat Infantry Badge