Memorial Day Means Honoring Brother For Towson Korean War Vet
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- They were twins who were sent off to fight for their country in the Korean War. Only one came home.
But as Memorial Day approaches, Ron Matz reports on a Towson man who's made a remarkable journey trying to find the brother he lost more than half a century ago.
Vincent Krepps has a story to tell.
"Memorial Day means honoring my brother personally, but it also means honoring the officers and enlisted men and everybody I served with in 1950 and 1951 in Korea," he said.
Vince and his brother Richard enlisted in the Army in 1949. They were sent to Korea. They were both injured.
"My brother was injured about a month before me. And when I learned he was in Japan, I thought, 'This is good. I don't have to worry about him anymore,'" said Krepps.
Vincent has his brother's medals, but never saw his brother again. Richard was reported missing in action.
"In December 1950 the whole battalion was grouped together--what was left of them--in one big school house or factory or whatever it was. And that's when I learned my brother was missing in action," said Krepps.
Vincent has been trying to find him for more than 60 years, even traveling to North Korea in 1998.
"The journey has been very emotional and very rewarding," he said. "Mainly because I met a soldier who gave me a picture of my brother he had been carrying for 47 years."
Now 84, Vince goes to Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens every Memorial Day.
"I know my mother and dad went to their graves hoping to see Richard again. That didn't happen for them," he said. "So for all the families and myself, it's a great satisfaction to be there at Dulaney Valley and honor these fallen heroes."
Vincent remembers his service and his beloved brother who was just 19. His book is One Came Home.
"These guys have to be remembered somehow. The Korean War has been forgotten, but you can't forget the people," he said.
The Memorial Day service at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens takes place Monday at 10 a.m.
