Special Announcement... Harley Coon in guarded condition after suffering multiple heart attacks

I have received word that Harley Coon, Executive Officer, Korean Ex-Prisoners of War, and former President, Korean War Veterans Association, is in guarded condition after suffering multiple heart attacks at the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport last week. Mr. Coon was on his way to Hawaii for a reunion of former POW when he was stricken.

A pacemaker was inserted at the area VAMC. Doctors reported that they “lost him” three times. He has returned home and is in guarded condition.

I personally, as well as on behalf of the KWVA, wish Harley the best for a complete recovery. I also thank Director Jack Edwards who obtained the information for this report at my request.

It is fitting that I wish all persons of faith the best during this Holy Season of two faiths. The following prayer from the Manual for the Military Order of the Purple Heart is best at this time: ALMIGHTY GOD, we thank You for the opportunity of association and memories. We pray that You will incline our hearts to entertain a brotherly affection for one another and for all fellow citizens. We pray You dispose us all to justice, kindly impulse, and mercy. As we declare our loyalty to our Country, help us to keep in mind the need of faith in God and Immortality, without which life is meaningless and vain. In that faith and conviction we can and do say to one another “farewell until we meet again.” Amen.


Louis Dechert
KWVA National President

(Posted 4/14/06)