A Flag of Remembrance flies Friday for Leonard C. “Len” Campbell who served his country as a member of the United States during World War II and the Korean War.
The American flag is raised at 9 a.m. in front of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center for Campbell.
Campbell was born Jan. 11, 1927, in Superior. Len attended Superior Central High School through his junior year before joining the U.S. . He officially enlisted Jan. 19, 1944.
As a corporal, Len participated in action against the Japanese at Iwo Jima and Volcanic Islands from Feb. 19, 1945, through March 16, 1945. He served overseas in the Asian and Pacific areas through March 26, 1946.
As a corporal, and then sergeant, Campbell participated in action against the enemy in the Korean War from Aug. 30, 1950 to Nov. 27, 1951. During this time, he participated in the capture and securing of Seoul, South Korea. He also participated in the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin campaign in Northern Korea and in operations against the enemy in South and Central Korea. Campbell was a proud member of “The Chosin Few.”
Campbell was awarded several citations and medals including the Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Asiatic Pacific Medal and one star, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Medal and two stars, Bronze Star for Presidential Unit Citation (OUC), Good Conduct Medal and United Nations Medal.
In 1950, while serving in the Korean War with the , Campbell was issued a Letter of Commendation and the Combat “V” Medal for sustained acts of heroism. The Letter of Commendation read:
“For excellent service in the line of his profession while serving the Marine Medical Company during operations in Korea … Corporal Campbell, serving as an ambulance driver with the clearing hospital, displayed great skill, courage and confidence in the performance of his duties … as he worked tirelessly for long hours evacuating wounded to the hospital.
On two occasions when other ambulances turned back, he drove his ambulance through enemy gunfire to pick up a load of casualties and return safely with them to the hospital. His complete disregard for his own personal safety and fatigue constantly set an example to all who observed him and materially aided the casualties in receiving medical attention much earlier than would otherwise have been possible.”
Campbell’s final discharge from the military took place on June 23, 1952.
On Dec. 22, 1951, Len married Barbara Stramko, who passed away Feb. 23, 2016. The couple raised four children, Len (Peggy) Campbell, Barb (Bruce) Edwards, Cindy (Rob) Downs and Laurie (Karl) Siehs. They had nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Campbell was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Billings Park, Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, and worked for the Superior Water, Light and Power Company for 33 years; he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker Local 31.
Campbell passed away Aug. 11, 2006. The entire Campbell family are proud of Len’s service to his country and are happy to have a Flag of Remembrance flown in his memory.
The event is free to the public.
For more information about the “Flag of Remembrance Program,” contact John Vaski at 715-394-7693, Scott Markle at 218-269-4675, or leave a message at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center at 715-392-7151; or email info@bvhcenter.org or educator@bvhcenter.org.
