Senator Young Honors Private First Class Kenneth H. Neamon For His Distinguished Service

MACHIAS – Recognizing his valiant service in defense of a key U.S. ally during the Cold War, Private First Class Kenneth H. Neamon was honored today by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District).  

Surrounded by his family and friends, in a ceremony with full military honors, Senator Young presented Private First Class Neamon with the Army’s Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the U.S. Army Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, and the Cold War Recognition Certificate that he earned serving from 1966 to 1972.

“Americans owe a tremendous debt to those who have distinguished themselves and selflessly stepped forward to defend our Nation. PFC Kenneth Neamon traveled halfway around the globe, defending a democratic nation, an ally who trusted us, against attacks from its communist neighbor. PFC Neamon’s commitment and patriotism was truly laudable, and we are all grateful for his dedication to duty,” said Senator Young.

“Private First Class Kenneth Neamon was more than just a military man. He is a loving father and a man dedicated to his community. It was a privilege to be able to pay tribute to PFC Neamon, on behalf of the people of the 57^th Senate District, and all New Yorkers. We are all grateful for PFC Neamon’s service,” she said.
 
Kenneth Neamon was born on August 20, 1947, in Springville, to Harold and Arlene Smith Neamon. He attended what is now Pioneer Central School, before leaving midway through the eighth grade to join his father and brothers doing logging and lumbering work for what is now the J.A. Yansick Lumber Company in Arcade.

Mr. Neamon was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 28, 1966, at 19 years old. He reported for Basic Combat Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on December 4, 1966, and received training as an Infantryman and Radio Operator.

On March 17, 1968, PFC Neamon was assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. The members of the 23rd Infantry were detailed to guard portions of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea to defend against armed attacks.

Now called the Korean DMZ Conflict, or the Second Korean War, North Korean forces engaged in numerous border incursions and infiltration attempts between October 5, 1966 and December 3, 1969. American soldiers, including PFC Neamon, and Republic of Korea forces thwarted 221 infiltration “probes” of defenses and 26 armed attacks intended to destroy strategic targets. During the conflict, 43 American service members lost their lives and another 111 were wounded. South Korean casualties included 299 killed and 550 wounded. The North Koreans lost 397 men, with 12 soldiers and 2,462 agents captured.

After serving for one year and 27 days in Korea, Private First Class Neamon returned to the United States on July 22, 1968, and was assigned as a Rifleman with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. He was discharged from Fort Hood on November 27, 1968, having completed two years of active duty.

PFC Neamon was then reassigned to the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group, where he received annual training to serve out the remaining four years of his military service obligation. He completed this service and was honorably discharged on November 27, 1972.

Following his active duty service, Mr. Neamon returned to Arcade, and resumed work at Yansick Lumber alongside his father, Harold, and brothers, Karl and Gary. He then went to work as a Truck Driver for CWD Transportation, in Delevan. After eight years, he went to work for Utz Tires before taking an early retirement eight years later.

Mr. Neamon met the former Deb Cornell, of Sardinia, in 1979. The couple has been married 27 years and have been blessed with five children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Along with his distinguished military service, Kenneth Neamon has had a lifelong love for horses. A passion he instilled in his sons, Joe and Beaner, the father-sons team penned at Hoss’s Ridge.  Kenneth and Beaner Neamon competed in Texas for the United States Team Penning Association Championship and Mr. Neamon continued riding until five years ago. Today, Mr. Neamon remains heavily involved in horse and pony pulls.