Another Marine has reported for duty to guard the streets of heaven.

It is with great sadness that the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Board of Directors shares the sad news of the passing of one of its founding board members and great friends, Al Lemieux.

Al was instrumental in the creation of the State of Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial in Kansas City, Mo.

Born in Missouri in 1932, Lemieux enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 and by January 1951 sailed from San Diego to Korea, arriving February 14, 1951. Lemieux served as a Rifleman with the 3rd Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division facing action in the Korean War, especially in the Punchbowl area – the site of his last mission. Lemieux was wounded in the Punchbowl battles in September 1951.

Lemieux dedicated many years of service to leading Korean War Veterans Associations and developing memorials to ensure those who served in the “Forgotten War” are not forgotten. He was the Commander of the Kansas City, Mo. Korean War Veterans Association.

“The legacy of the Korean War for me, I had a part in the memorial that was built in Kansas City across from Union Station,” Lemieux told the Korean War Legacy Foundation. “It’s very important we support Korea in every way because there’s a fella up there in the north that’s a danger to Korean people and the world.”

We were honored to work with you, Al.

SEMPER FI, MARINE!