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

Oliver Pochert, left, and daughter Leina, 9, listen as Americorp volunteer and docent Hillary Sanders talks about the urchins, crabs and sea stars living in the touch tank in front of her at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Pochert, who lives in Sequim, drove to Port Townsend on Sunday to visit the aquarium because the aquarium is closing its location this month after 42 years of operation. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Aquarium closing

Oliver Pochert, left, and daughter Leina, 9, listen as Americorp volunteer and… Continue reading

Tree sale is approved for auction

Appeals filed for two Elwha watershed parcels

Port Townsend City Council to draw down funds in 2025 budget

City has ‘healthy fund reserve balance,’ finance director says

Man flown to hospital after crash investigated for DUI

A 41-year-old man was flown to Olympic Medical Center in… Continue reading

Signal controller project to impact traffic

Work crews will continue with the city of Port… Continue reading

Cities, counties approve tax hikes

State law allows annual 1 percent increase

Health officer: Respiratory illnesses low on Peninsula

Berry says cases are beginning to rise regionally

A puppy named Captain Kirk is getting ready for adoption by Welfare for Animals Guild after it was rescued near Kirk Road. An unsecured makeshift kennel fell out of a truck on U.S. Highway 101 last month and was struck by another vehicle. (Welfare for Animals Guild)
Puppy rescued from wreck to be adopted

A puppy named Captain Kirk is about to boldly go… Continue reading

Festival of Trees raises record $231,000

The 34th annual Festival of Trees, produced by the… Continue reading

Man flown to hospital after single-car collision

A 67-year-old man was flown to an Everett hospital after… Continue reading