The Graybeards - KWVA - Korean War Veterans Association

een cast on the sides of the bells. One of
the larger bells weighed 2,235 pounds. This
bell had the names of 18 Korean War
Veterans from this area, who attended the
dedication ceremony on May 6, 2002, and
who had received the Korean Presidential
Medal and letter of appreciation from the
Korean President for Korean service, cast
on two sides of the bell. These included
Bobby N. Bray, Bobby W. Burbank,
William O. Gautney, Coy R. Cannon,
George J. Ellis, William C. Flippo, Bill
Gober, William M. Gotcher, J. Clinton
Killen, Samuel M. Landsdell, George E.
McFall, Virgil B. Miles, Carmel D. Olive,
Olon R. Patterson, Eric F. Plunk, Paul E.
Riley, Edwin J. Smith, Robert S. Wode.
This was a happy surprise for many of
these who had their names cast on the bell.
Carmel and June Olive examining bell with name at Guthrie Bell Tower.
It was an enjoyable trip for all who were
there to honor the Korean War casualties;
and to express our appreciation to Lowell
and Carolyn Guthrie; and to Dr. Gary A.
Ransdell for building such a monumental
structure to honor our veterans and our former
friends and neighbor such as Robert H.
Guthrie who lost their lives. The Tower is
called Robert H. Guthrie Bell Tower and
will chime at regular times and at special
times during ball games or other events on
campus when completed late this fall. It has
been a major monetary investment, and of
great value in promoting the beauty of the
campus and unity in the community.
Sent to The Graybeards by Paul E. Riley,
2117 Covington Drive, Florence, AL 35630
or e-mail
(Thank you Paul Riley for letter and photos.—Ed)
Guthrie Bell Tower Muriel. Virgil Miles, picture
etched on top right of back ground, Lowell Guthrie
(responsible for the tower, and Carmel Olive.
Mary Grigsby coordinator and Korean War veteran
Edwin Smith at Guthrie Bell Tower.
Approximate Positions. Starting left front going back and forth to rear: George Ellis, Bobbye Ellis, Katheryn Landsdell, Mertice Miles, Jonathan Marks,
Edna Gautney, Marie Burbank, Tommie Plunk, Eric Plunk, Marvin Landsdell, Paul Riley, Iva McClure, Chester McClure, Ethyl Wode, Bobby Burbank,
Deanne Green, Jo Killen, Ruth Flippo, Faye Liverett, John T. Green, Mary Riley, Ashley Marks, Susan Marks, Robert Wode, June Olive, William (Bill) Flippo,
Bobby Bray, Phillip Marks, John Magazzu, William (Bill) Gotcher, Carmel Olive, Edwin J. Smith, Millard Liverett.
July/August, 2004 Page 15