Army veteran shares memories of Korean War with community members

BERLIN, Md. -A humble veteran with a remarkable story. Having served in the Korean war, Wallace Purnell shared his memories of his time in Korea, from 1950-1953. In those three years, he said he only had one goal.

“I remember a lot of things, but it’s nothing remarkable about it,” Purnell said. “What’s remarkable about it, I made it back home.”

Home is Berlin, where Purnell said his familial roots run deep. But while Purnell was happy to come back home, his son, Geroge Purnell, had other ideas.

“I decided to leave Berlin and go out and try to find my own way,” George Purnell said.

His desire for adventure led him to the battle grounds, where his own father fought in the war, just decades before. Purnell said seeing it in person put many things into perspective.

“I went to Korea myself, and I stayed in Korea about 7 years all together,” Purnell said. “I understand where he was at, and I visited the spots that he has talked about in Korea.”

“It was just memories to me. Now, I see where he was and where the war was at,” Purnell added.

Now, passing on his wisdom to history buffs and other war veterans, Purnell said the freedom he has did not come easy.

“War is not pleasant,” Purnell said. “[People] can learn that we’re blessed here, in the United States. That’s the biggest thing.”