Clallam Korean War veteran honored by Canadian counterparts

PORT ANGELES — Gerald Rettela, president of the Olympic Peninsula chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, has received the Award of Merit from the Korea Veterans Association of Victoria.

Rettela, 75, who lives east of Port Angeles, received the award for “outstanding service and unselfish assistance rendered to the Korea Veterans Association Unit 27,” Clallam County Veterans Coordinator Tammy Sullenger said this week.

Rettela was given the award on May 8.

Five years ago, Rettela sought the assistance of Canada’s 100-member Unit 27 to form an Olympic Peninsula chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.

“I needed some help,” Rettela recalled. “The closest chapter next to me was in Canada. They took it upon themselves to nurse me through the whole ordeal.”

After establishing the Olympic Peninsula chapter, Rettela has returned the favor to his Canadian counterparts.

He marches in Canada’s tribute to Queen Victoria’s birthday with other members of the 40-member Olympic Peninsula chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association and helps fill the ranks in Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry Regiment.

As the only American member of Canada’s Unit 27, Rettela acts as a liaison between the United States and Canada.

“To be singled out to receive this award was quite an honor,” said Rettela, who served in the U.S. Army.

‘Floored’ by award

“I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was absolutely floored by receiving it.”

Earlier this spring, Unit 27 designated a book — Patrick O’Brian’s 1973 historical novel HMS Surprise — in Rettela’s honor.

The books circulating in Victoria’s public library system have a tribute to Rettela printed on their inside covers.

In Clallam County, Rettela helped establish the Korean War Memorial Highway (state Highways 113 and 112) in 2008, the Vietnam Memorial Highway (state Highway 112) in 2009 and the Desert Storm/ Desert Shield Memorial Highway (state Highway 110) in 2010.

John Bishop, President of the Pacific Canadian Region of the Korean Veterans Association, presented Rettela with the award.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

________

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Wreaths Across America set for Saturday

The Michael Trebert chapter of the Daughters of the… Continue reading

“Fractal Phase,” dancing with various lights, highlighted the Wintertide Festival of Lights on Saturday at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. A large gathering of people cool temperatures to see lights, entertainment, consume food and get a chance to buy Christmas gifts. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Festival of Lights

“Fractal Phase,” dancing with various lights, highlighted the Wintertide Festival of Lights… Continue reading

McKinley reimbursed for energy efficiencies

Updates happened before mill’s closure

Derek Kilmer.
Kilmer’s final speech in Congress includes Port Angeles, Olympic Peninsula

Congressman continues practice of writing letter to his children

Peninsula College tuition to rise 3.3 percent

Increase to add about $54 per quarter, institution says

WSDOT still cleaning up after bomb cyclone

Transportation budget faces uncertainty in coming state session

Four people injured in crash at R Corner

A Port Angeles woman was flown to a Seattle… Continue reading

Woman airlifted to hospital after collision on Highway 101

A Quilcene woman was airlifted to a Seattle hospital after… Continue reading

Santa, played by Alexis Smith, a Lake Crescent Lodge employee, wonders why Zoey Doud, 3, of Port Angeles thinks the big present under the tree is for her. Santa turned on the outdoor lights at the lodge on Saturday then sat down by the fireplace to visit with the many children who came to the festivities. Entertainment was provided by the holiday songs of the Grand Olympic Chorus. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Lighting up the Lodge

Santa, played by Alexis Smith, a Lake Crescent Lodge employee, wonders why… Continue reading

Sequim passes its 2025 budget

Capital projects include expanded utilities

Weekly flight operations scheduled

There will be field carrier landing practice operations for aircraft… Continue reading

Sam Grello, the executive director of the Port Angeles Waterfront District, strings lights on a tree in downtown Port Angeles on Thursday. The district procured professional-grade lights to last several years and will work to brighten the downtown area for the holiday season. (Kelley Lane/Peninsula Daily News)
Holiday spirit

Sam Grello, the executive director of the Port Angeles Waterfront District, strings… Continue reading