Korean War veteran and Pork Chop Hill survivor Jack Borman stood in for another veteran at special Veteran’s Day celebration on Sunday in Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell.
He represented William Smith, a sailor who, like Borman, fought in the Korean War. Smith is buried in the cemetery and was one of the veterans honored on Sunday.
Borman along with other presenters represented veterans from every war since the Revolutionary War. Each was appropriately uniformed. Each spoke about the veteran he represented. He honored their sacrifice.
Before Borman told the story of William Smith, the event’s emcee spoke of Borman’s own military contributions and accomplishments.
Borman, 78, served in the 31st Infantry Regiment, Special Forces from 1952-53 and fought in three major battles: Triangle Hill, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star; Operation Smack; and Pork Chop Hill, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.
“I wasn’t supposed to be there,” Borman said of the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. “My stuff was sent to the rear, and I was supposed to be sent home the next day. It was a nightmare, really a nightmare.”
The bloody Battle of Pork Chop Hill occurred near the end of the Korean War during Armistice negotiations.
In the 1959 film “Pork Chop Hill” starring Gregory Peck, Harry Guardino played Pvt. Forstman, a character based on Borman.
After the war, Borman served as deputy sheriff for Kenton County for about 12 years. He resides in Villa Hills.
Borman said the Veteran’s Day event was a very good program, in spite of the chilly weather. On Tuesday, he said he probably will “take it easy.”
Kathleen Romero, chairwoman of the event, said that more than 200 people attended. In addition to the various presenters, the event featured a 21-gun salute and a flag passing by the Sons of the American Revolution who came with drum and fife.
A last-minute highlight was a military fly-over of four T28 pilot trainers, which were used for training during WWII and the Korean War.
“It was chilling,” said Romero. “I saw tears in people’s eyes.”
Family Dentistry Offers Free Services To Veterans
Derringer and McGlone Family Dentistry, Union, will offer free dental services to veterans Tuesday.
The dental office, which has been operating since 1998, will offer complimentary cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions and more in an effort to show appreciation for and recognition of those who served.
“This is just one simple way to show that we’ve not forgotten and still appreciate their service,” a news release issued by the dental service said. “It would honor us to serve these ladies and gentlemen. We want to raise awareness of Veteran’s Day.”
