Chief of Korean War vet association in Mexico passes away at age 90

Jose Villarreal, center, the late president of the Korean War Veterans Association in Mexico / Courtesy of Ministry of Patriot and Veterans Affairs

By Kang Seung-woo

Jose Villarreal, the president of the recently launched Korean War Veterans Association in Mexico, died Saturday, according to the Ministry of Patriot and Veterans Affairs. He was 90.

Villarreal, who was born in Los Angeles, Calif. and left for Mexico later, joined the U.S. Army and participated in the Korean War from September 1950 to February 1952, during which he was involved in the Incheon Landing Operation, also known as Operation Chromite, and the Second Battle of Seoul during the Korean War.

Last month, he and three other Mexican veterans, who also fought in the three-year armed conflict under the U.S. armed forces, were conferred with Ambassador for Peace Medals by Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun on the sidelines of the launch ceremony of the Korean War Veterans Association in Mexico.

In addition, Villarreal was elected as the first president of the association, whose establishment was supported by the Korean government. Plus, the veterans affairs ministry delivered 10,000 face masks to the association on the occasion of the launch ceremony.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 100,000 Mexican nationals or Mexican Americans fought in the Korean War as members of the U.S. Army.

Upon news of his death, Veterans Affairs Minister Hwang Ki-chul paid tribute to the Mexican veteran.

"I offer prayers for salvation of the departed soul," Hwang said. "Following his wishes, we will make various efforts to help future generations remember the sacrifices and devotion of Mexicans who fought in the Korean War."

According to the government, an exhibition is expected to be organized in Seoul next year to make visible to the Korean population the sacrifices of Mexican soldiers during the Korean War. The year 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Korea.

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