Service members hold memorial service at JSA

By Ms. Jacqueline KraftAugust 22, 2016

Service members hold memorial service at JSA
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Service members hold memorial service at JSA
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Service members hold memorial service at JSA
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Service members hold memorial service at JSA
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Service members from the Joint Security Area hosted a memorial ceremony, Aug. 18, at Camp Bonifas. They honored the deaths of Joint Security Force Company Commander Capt. Arthur G. Bonifas and 1st Platoon Leader, 1st Lt. Mark T. Barrett, who were brutally axed to death during a routine tree trimming operation 40 years ago near the Bridge of No Return.

The United Nations Command workforce and a 10-man security detail began a routine tree trimming operation Aug. 18, 1976, on a large poplar tree, which was impeding the south's visibility between two UNC checkpoints in the vicinity of the Bridge of No Return. The UNC workforce was met by 30 Korean People's Army guards who attacked without warning. The fight only lasted for four minutes, during which time Bonifas and Barrett were killed by North Korean soldiers.

Among the guests were representatives of the Republic of Korea, U.S., New Zealand, Swedish and Swiss Army, members of the JSA Veterans Association, aka "JSA old boys" and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Due to the extreme heat, the ceremony was moved indoors to the ceremony hall.

"We should never forget that Capt. Bonifas and 1st Lt. Barrett sacrificed their own lives for peace here," said the JSA Republic of Korea Army Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Kwon, Yong-hwan.

"We remember in order to steel our own resolve as we continue to hold the line and prepare ourselves to stand in defense of freedom with the same courage and honor as Capt. Bonifas and

1st Lt. Barrett demonstrated this day 40 years ago," said United Nations Command Security Battalion-JSA commander, Lt. Col. Matthew S. Farmer.

"Today's ceremony also reminds us that nothing is routine about the mission here, not even the periodic removal of trees and debris in the DMZ," said Col. Johnnie Johnson, guest speaker and Deputy Commanding Officer for Maneuver for 2nd Infantry Division. "The mission here is real. It is fraught with constant threats from the enemy and requires the highest level of preparedness and readiness."