In The News

Korean War veteran Tom Sullivan was presented with the Korean Service Medal, the UN Korea Medal and the National Defense Service Medal on Sunday at Community Christian Fellowship Church in Lindale.

Family, friends and the church congregation joined the 83-year-old Lindale resident as U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert presented him with the medals during the church’s morning services.

Sullivan said he didn’t receive his medals earlier because records of his service in Korea could not be found. However, he was able to provide his discharge papers as proof of his service in the Korean War.

During the presentation, Gohmert was proud to recognize Sullivan’s military contributions.

“It’s so wonderful to be here with you today to worship and then a special honor getting to recognize Tom Sullivan, a devout member here,” Gohmert said. “He has protected us. He has done everything he can with his life to serve our nation, our society.”

Gohmert gave a short history of Sullivan’s life and military career that included his growing up in Houston, joining the Navy at age 17, volunteering for overseas duty in Korea and re-enlisting with the Army at 21.

After 16 years of serving in the military and 16 years of serving as a Harris County deputy sheriff, Sullivan moved to Lindale and worked with the Texas prison system. He retired from working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at age 79.

Jay Guthrie, a member of Community Christian Fellowship, said Sullivan was a part of a historically significant group of Marines.

“He was deployed with one of the most famous marine battles in history. ‘The frozen Chosin’ is what it was called,’” Guthrie said. “It was the Chosin reservoir, frozen from winter, and the Marines, and some Army were surrounded by 300,000 North Korean and Turkish enemies.”

Guthrie said this is one of the most historic battles of the Korean War and that Sullivan is a survivor.

Sullivan’s ability to survive and endure tough times is something that Gohmert links to his faith.

“There are tough things that happen in our lives that can lead to bitterness,” Gohmert said. “What we’ve seen is that through all the tough times, and through all the tough days, Tom Sullivan has continued to be faithful to God.”

Although Sullivan didn’t speak much during the 8 a.m. Sunday service, he was touched to be recognized for his military service.

“It is an honor,” Sullivan said.