This past weekend was the 31st anniversary to the murders of two USFK officers by a deliberate murder plan carried out by the North Koreans. The former commander of the these two murdered officers, LTC Victor Vierra, visited Panmunjom this past weekend to honor the two dead officers. He had some very interesting things to say about the attack:
The North Koreans knew who Bonifas was, Vierra said, and he is convinced the killings were no spur-of-the-moment attack.
“It was a well-executed execution, or murder, of two American soldiers,” Vierra said.
The sacrifice was not in vain, Vierra said. At the time, North Korea had been leaning on ambassadors within the United Nations to pass a resolution calling for withdrawal of the United States from South Korea. Following the murders, that support evaporated.
“They died serving a calling and a purpose that they were bound to execute,” Vierra told the seated gathering near the bridge, and well within earshot of North Korean guards.
Vierra knew Bonifas well, working with him closely and sharing off-duty time with him at The Monastery, the JSA's club.
Bonifas was packed and ready to go back to his wife and children when he was killed.
Barrett had been at the JSA for only a few weeks when he was killed. Vierra lamented that he didn't get the chance to know him well, but noted that the 6-foot-plus soldier was well liked by his men. [Stars & Stripes]
Read Full Article »
