October 18, 2006

Clermont Group Plans Tribute to Korean War Veterans

Batavia, Ohio. A group of Clermont County citizens is actively working to erect a Korean War monument in a local park to remember all those who served so courageously during the conflict that occurred between 1950 and 1953. We would like to erect a 7 foot bronze statue of a Gunnery Sergeant in the Union Township Veterans Park on Clough Pike, said Frank Morrow, a service officer with the Clermont County Veterans Service Office. It will be a replica of the gunny statue you see at the Korean War memorial in Washington, D.C.

Regina Herbolt of Batavia is spearheading the effort to build the statue. The artist who created the project in our nations capitol, Frank Gaylord, has been contacted and is willing to cast the statue in bronze for $90,000, said Herbolt. With landscaping and work on a base, the total cost would be roughly $110,000.

I know its a lofty goal, but it is something we have to do. Her goal is to dedicate the statue on Veterans Day 2007.

Herbolts uncle, Joseph Rease Errgang, was a platoon leader in a Marine reconnaissance mission on Gray Rock Ridge (profiled in Lee Ballengers book, The Final Crucible) during the final months of the Korean conflict. Gunnery Sergeant Errgang and his platoon came under enemy fire and the Clermont County mans body has never been located.

"This memorial will mean that brave Korean War soldiers, like my Uncle Joe, will not be forgotten," said Herbolt. "They served our country well and we need to remember that we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today if it weren't for the incredible service our military provides. This tribute will hopefully encourage others to make Korea a remembered rather than a forgotten war."

Donations are being accepted at area Fifth Third Banks for the Batavia American Legion Korean War Memorial Fund, or contact Regina Herbolt at (513) 753-8040.