The Korean War, known as the "Forgotten War," is often overlooked due to its occurrence between the end of World War II and the beginning of the Vietnam War. During the three year battle, over 1.5 million American soldiers served.

In February 1952, a young 20 year old Louis S. Viverito was celebrating his newlywed status when he was drafted to serve in Korea. After only four months of marriage, Louis left his family and new wife to serve in the war.

"It was much like you would see on the M*A*S*H television show with combat happening at all hours of the day and wounded being brought in masses on helicopters and trucks," Viverito said. "I had ear infections in both ears and had to visit a doctor. There was a soldier in the bed next to me who had been shot and was being sent home. He begged to stay and continue to fight. I asked my doctor if I could go home in his place, but the doctor laughed and told me I had to stay."

Louis S. Viverito served for fourteen months with the United States Army situated above the 38th Parallel, 10 months of which were during the Korean conflict, and is a three-time decorated Korean veteran.

After three years of war and many battles including Battle of Bloody Ridge, Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, Battle of White Horse, Battle of Hill Eerie and the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, over 50,000 service members lost their lives, including 1,754 Illinois soldiers.

On November 29, 1952, newly elected President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Korea in search for an end to the war and a cease-fire was signed on July 27, 1953.

"I was so happy to be heading home to start my life," Viverito said. "I met many brave men and women who were serving their country and developed many life-long friendships. For those of us who were there in Korea at that time, we will never forget any of it."

In commemoration of the Korean War, earlier this Spring, Senator Viverito passed a resolution declaring June 25, 2010 as Korean War Remembrance Day in Illinois. The date commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

"I am so proud of my time serving in the Korean War and pleased for the opportunity this video allowed me to share my experience," Viverito said. "As time goes by, the ‘Forgotten War’ is becoming more lost to history and it is important that we keep the memory alive of the men and women who served in this battle sixty years ago."