YOUNG BERNARD ZIMMERMAN

Norman V. Kelly

I first wrote about PFC Luther Bernard Zimmerman in my book LOST IN YESTERDAY’S

NEWS  Here is what I said.  “First Peorian killed in the Korean Conflict from Peoria was Bernard Zimmerman, all of eighteen.  God what a waste of life.”  The actual date of his combat death was August 15, 1950. Think back, that was 60 years ago, imagine that.

I never thought another thing about PFC Zimmerman until just one week ago. I went to the Peoria County Courthouse to visit the Korean and Vietnam Memorial located in the form of a plaque just outside the clerk’s office.  Where was PFC Luther Bernard Zimmerman?  Well...I can tell you now he is not honored on that plaque and is not among the 51 men listed as killed in action from Peoria, Illinois. Why not?  Some of you might recall that I found five police officers that were never honored and it took me well over a year to get them on the police memorials.  How long will it take to get PFC Zimmerman honored?  Why do officials seem to reject these type pleas?

OFFICIAL

PFC Luther Bernard Zimmerman was a member of the 5th. Regimental Combat Team, United States Army.  He was killed in combat on August 15, 1950, fighting the enemy near Chingdong-ni, South Korea. His service number was 17273639, and he was born on November 19. 1931.  His birthplace is not mentioned but the records show that he enlisted in Knox County, Illinois.  He was buried at the Wiley Cemetery, Deerfield Township, Illinois.

MY GUESS

This is just a guess on my part concerning why he is not on our memorial.  I can tell you that he was a Peoria boy.  He lived with his mother, Blanche Utsinger at 906 Hurlburt Street, and attended McKinley Grade School and Roosevelt Junior High School.  Bernard’s parents were divorced and his father Luther lived over in Abington, Illinois, which is in Knox County.  So when Luther decided to enlist he obviously went over to his dad’s home and enlisted there.

So, what do you think?  Some veterans have waited for many, many years to get a medal they earned, shouldn’t we finally give PFC Zimmerman the honor of joining his comrades on our memorial?  How are we going to get this done?  Well, I am leaving it up to you.   All 18 of the Peoria County Board Members are listed on the County’s web site. Go to Meet The County Board Members and there they are.  They are there to serve you.  All you have to do is pick one or all of them and e-mail them. Or…call them. So if you think PFC Zimmerman should be honored you can get it done.   Are you willing to help?    norman.kelly@sbcglobal.net