WHO WE ARE

Watching the war in Ukraine where civilians- women and children — are being slaughtered — brings back the memories of the Korean War 1950-53, which claimed the lives of nearly 5 million people from 16 countries including 36,516 Americans.

The 625 Foundation was established to remember and honor the fallen American heroes. Those we have honored so far include Private Kenneth Shadrick of West Virginia, the first soldier to die in that war, Corporal Ernest Basham of Mississippi, the youngest to die, and Sergeant First Class Harold Cross of Michigan, the last to die in the three-year war. We have done so by making donations to their hometown elementary school libraries.

The size of our donations is small but they are precious gifts generously given by Korean and American donors here and in Korea. The money is used for the children’s education, for them to learn about Korea, the Korean War, the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and most importantly, what it means to defend and preserve the Freedom and Liberty we all cherish.

Thank you.
6.25 Foundation

Lynsey Addario for The New York Times

James Edmund Johnson

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader in a provisional rifle platoon composed of artillerymen and attached to Company J, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Vastly outnumbered by a well-entrenched and cleverly concealed enemy force wearing the uniforms of friendly troops and attacking his platoon's open and unconcealed positions, Sgt. Johnson unhesitatingly took charge of his platoon in the absence of the leader and, exhibiting great personal valor in the face of a heavy barrage of hostile fire, coolly proceeded to move about among his men, shouting words of encouragement and inspiration and skillfully directing their fire. Ordered to displace his platoon during the firefight, he immediately placed himself in an extremely hazardous position from which he could provide covering fire for his men. Fully aware that his voluntary action meant either certain death or capture to himself, he courageously continued to provide effective cover for his men and was last observed in a wounded condition single-handedly engaging enemy troops in close hand-grenade and hand-to-hand fighting. By his valiant and inspiring leadership, Sgt. Johnson was directly responsible for the successful completion of the platoon's displacement and the saving of many lives. His dauntless fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of terrific odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.