After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge

Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011
'Punishment did not fit the crime': After 60 years, Korean War vet with stress disorder seeks vindication, upgrade in discharge
BY MIKE FITZGERALD - News-Democrat

BELLEVILLE -- Ralph Simonton grew up in rural Clinton County, the youngest son of a proud military family.

Each of his three brothers served in the armed forces. And each one received a burial with full military honors.

Simonton, 80, wants the same thing for himself.


The last surviving member of his family, and a wounded Korean War veteran, Simonton has spent the last decade fighting for the restoration of his military benefits, including the right to a military funeral.

He knows he's facing a tough battle. He also knows time is running out.

Simonton, of Belleville, has undergone surgeries for a heart ailment, a perforated colon and a hernia.

He continues to suffer from the nightmares, depression, anxiety and other symptoms of the severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he acquired after taking part in some of the bloodiest fighting of the Korean War.

"When I hear any loud noise, I jump," he said. "I want to take cover. I still have dreams about the war. ... I dream all the time about the guys who died. Almost every one of my friends were killed."

During one battle against Chinese troops, Simonton nearly died from a grenade attack. The rest of his platoon died.

Simonton was later nominated for the Purple Heart, the Silver Star and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. But he never received those decorations, nor will he under Department of Defense rules.
The same rules forbid him from obtaining access to Veterans Affairs health care or receiving a military burial.

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