Greg Loring Holds the Medal of Honor he Received in a Recent Visit to South Korea on Behalf of Major Charles Loring, Jr.

“It was incredibly emotional.  It was incredibly eerie,” said Greg Loring of his recent visit to the DMZ in South Korea. Greg was visiting the 2.5 mile demilitarzed zone that separates North Korea from South Korea with a group of relatives of other MIAs and KIAs. Greg spent almost three hours at the DMZ because there is so much  history to be seen there.

Greg, his wife and the grandson of Major Charles Loring,, just returned from a ten day visit to South Korea to receive its Medal of Honor for Major Charles J. Loring, Jr.

Major Loring enlisted in the Air Force in 1942.  He served in World War 11 as a fighter pilot.  He was shot down and spent tme in a prison camp.  Major Loring served once again in the Korean Conflict. During a bombing mission over North Korea, he sacrificed his life rather than be taken a prisoner of war again in the Korean Conflict.

Major Loring died on November 22, 1952  Greg was three years old and never knew his uncle.The Air Force Major was awarded the Medal of Honor “for conspicious gallantry and intrepisiry beyond the call of duty.” He left behind a wife and two young daughters at the time.  The son of one of those daughers who lives in Louisiana, was one of the three representtives of the family making the visit to South Korea.  Joe Matta, Charles’ grandson was part of the threesome representing the Loring family in South Korea.

“I didn’t vote for Trump.  He’s a corward and is devoid of any character,” said Greg who did not hide his dislike for the President-elect.

Paul Loring, 93, the brother of Charles. attended the annual Veterans’ Day observation today at the Loring Am Vet facility, on Washington Avenue. Paul and thirteen other family members enjoyed an annual  family reunion at the facility following a get together at the Loring Memorial Park on Munjoy Hill. Paul said he was invited to attend the Medal of Honor ceremony in South Korea, but decided against it.  “Greg was an outstanding representative of our family,” Paul said. Paul was the driving force behind the establishment of the Loring Memorial Park at the corner of North Street and the Eastern Promenade.

For more information, please visits posts herein dated May 31, 2021, MaY 16, 2009 and May 10, 2020