FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 4, 2016) -- Event features veterans, authors and military experts

The National Infantry Museum Foundation will present its third annual symposium "Korea: The Forgotten War --Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" May 13.

Nearly 37,000 Americans died helping the South Koreans fight the North Koreans and Chinese between 1950 and 1953. But, it was never officially declared a war and it ended in a stalemate, and it failed to capture the interest of the American public like World War II did. Over the years it became known as The Forgotten War.

America's continued involvement there, plus the threats posed by North Korea's dangerous and unpredictable leader, make it critical that our nation not forget Korea. What happened 65 years ago -- and what could happen tomorrow -- will be explored in the symposium featuring veterans, authors, and military experts. Speakers include:

• Leo Barron, author of "High Tide in the Korean War: How an Outnumbered American Regiment Defeated the Chinese at the Battle of Chipyong-Ni," will cover the war's historical perspective.

• Retired Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, who retired this year after relinquishing command of the 8th Army in Korea, will offer insight into threats posed by the North Korean government.

Panelists include:

• Retired Lt. Gen. Charles "Chick" Cleveland: Cleveland, with the Air Force, was a flying ace credited with shooting down five MiG-15s.

• Retired Col. Ralph Puckett: Puckett led the Eighth Army Ranger Company, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross after being overrun by several hundred Chinese forces, and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame.

• Retired Col. Ben Malcom, U.S. Army: Malcom wrote the book "White Tigers," chronicling his "secret war" behind enemy lines to recruit, train and lead North Korean partisans.

The symposium begins at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to wrap up at 3:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Guests are asked to call the foundation's reservation line at 706-494-3708 to reserve a complimentary light lunch.

The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, on a 155-acre tract linking Columbus, Georgia, and the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, is the first world-class site to pay tribute to the U.S. Army Infantryman and those who fight alongside him. The museum showcases the contributions of the Infantry Soldier in every war fought by the U.S. by offering immersive participation and engaging visitors in the unique experiences of the Infantry Soldier. The complex also includes a parade field, memorial walk of honor, Vietnam Memorial Plaza, authentic World War II Company Street and Giant Screen Theater. For more information, visit www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.