The America Korea Friendship Society presented the New American Hero Award to Lieutenant Colonel John S. Oh at its annual banquet at Renaissance Waverly Hotel on April 16.
LTC Oh, currently the Associate Director of the Trauma Program at Landsthul Regional Medical Center flew in from Germany in time to accept the award from the Society. Lt. Colonel Oh was recognized for his heroic actions where he removed an unexploded rocket propelled grenade from a wounded soldier. The soldier, Channing Moss, was impaled by a live RPG during Taliban ambush while on patrol at the Afghanistan/Pakistan border.
LTC Oh, a Korean immigrant who became a naturalized citizen and went to West Point, removed the live round with the help of volunteers and a member of the explosive ordinance disposal team. Moss has undergone six operations but is recovering well at home in Gainesville, Georgia.
“I have the best job in the world. Everyday, I help save the lives of heroes who defended our country,” said LTC Oh in his acceptance speech. Oh was presented a crystal plaque and a $10,000 check where he proceeded to donate it to a non-profit organization, Wounded Warrior Project.
Channing Moss, the wounded soldier was on hand to meet and salute the New American Hero.
“I am extremely proud of LTC Oh’s exemplary devotion as an American soldier. He is a shining example as an American and an aspiring role model to our entire community,” said Sunny K. Park, President of The American Korea Friendship Society and founder of Good Neighboring Foundation, sponsors of the evening’s award.
General James D. Thurman, Commander of the Army’s largest organization was on hand to deliver the evening’s keynote speech. General Thurman is expected to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next Commanding General of US forces in South Korea.
“In the great tradition of partnership between U.S. and Korea people, I look forward to working with the South Korean government and military,” said General Thurman.
He later also recognizes a group of Korean War veterans attending the evening’s banquet.
The evening’s banquet was also attended by a business delegation from Seongdong Gu, a county adjacent to Seoul metropolitan. The business delegation was led by Mayor J.D. Goh to visit Cobb County, where it has recently established a sister-city relationship.
Event Photo Gallery (click to enlarge) / Photo: Ben Hioe:
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