Unlike many in the U.S. Army, Carl Ritchison had the rare pleasure of informing some of colleagues that the Korean War was ending. Ritchison – described by Kosciusko County Veterans Affair Officer Rich Maron as being the “salt of the Earth” – was honored today as the veteran of the month during the county commissioners meeting. Ritchison entered the Army in 1952, and after basic training headed to Korea where he gained the rank of motor pool sergeant with the 24th Division. Part of his job involved delivering ammunition, equipment and food to troops. On June 25, 1953, he was making a similar trip to the front line when he heard the announcement. “When I returned to the camp, the troops thought I was joking,” Ritchison recalled. He remained in Korea for four more months before returning the to U.S. Pictured (L to R) are: Maron, County Commissioner Bob Conley, Ritchison and his wife Marilynn, and commissioners Ron Truex and Brad Jackson.
