(Tribune News Service) — David Anderson was around 19 when he was deployed to the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War shortly after enlisting and becoming a Marine. Now at 93, his service continues to inspire his daughter to make a better life for veterans in Bridgeport, Conn.

In 1950, David Anderson deployed as part of the U.S. Marine Corps to assist South Korea as it fought against communist forces supporting North Korea. Speaking through his daughter Cindy Anderson, David Anderson, 93, explains that his time on the peninsula was a “culture shock” — hearing the Korean language and learning about the ideals held by the communist forces, which stood in contrast to the American ideals he was familiar with.

June of this year will mark 75 years since the Korean War began in 1950 when members of the North Korean army invaded South Korea to create one communist nation, according to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library. President Harry S. Truman, worried that the invasion was encouraged by the Soviet Union and China and wanting to prevent the spread of communism, committed the United States Armed Forces to join other United Nations troops in supporting South Korea.

The terrain on the Korean Peninsula was much rougher than what David Anderson was used to back in South Carolina. He had to climb over mountains during “extremely cold” weather and had to engage the enemy forces in combat, Cindy Anderson says her dad told her. (Due to her father’s ailing health, Cindy Anderson transcribed her father’s responses to the interview questions for this story.)

“I had to pick up the wounded as explosions were all around me,” David Anderson says. “I saw a lot of death. There are always casualties in war. I don’t like to talk about it unless it’s to another soldier.”

David Anderson, who is Black, spent his childhood on his family’s farm in South Carolina during the segregation era and tended the fields before and after school with his family’s donkeys to help make ends meet. Longing to create a better life for himself, he enlisted in the U.S. Military. He says that he was enticed by the GI Bill’s benefits.

“I missed my momma, daddy, brothers and sisters. I had missed my momma’s cooking,” David Anderson recalls. “I can sure tell you that I didn’t miss that farm or Della or Stella (the donkeys).”

After returning home in 1953 after the war ended, his brother Joseph Anderson told him that Bridgeport’s economy was “booming,” so David Anderson moved to Connecticut where he spent most of his life.

While at war, but says his faith in God kept him strong. And when he and and his wife, Willie L. Anderson, grew their family in Bridgeport, they were active in the city’s Christian community. He also continued to work with the U.S. military from Bridgeport but never deployed overseas again. He added that during the 1950s, most Connecticut residents held a strong sense of patriotism and allegiance to their country, and that he worked to instill those principles within his own growing family. By the time the Marine retired, he had achieved the rank of sergeant.

Following in her father’s footsteps of service, Cindy Anderson joined the U.S. Army and served her country for 20 years. She was formerly a first sergeant, viewing those who served with her as her “kids,” aiming to know them on a personal level and protect them.

“From day one, the U.S. Armed Forces instilled in us to always protect and take care of your buddy. Never, ever leave your buddy,” her father says.

“Everyone should get a taste of another country,” Cindy Anderson says. “Because when you travel and see really the liberties that we have, you appreciate it more.”

Cindy Anderson worked her way to become Veterans Service Officer for the city of Bridgeport.

In her role at Veterans Affairs, she works to ensure that veterans can get the benefits they are entitled to, helping them find housing, making sure those taking care of veterans are paid and that prisoners of war and those missing in action are not forgotten.

“Some of our veterans are getting their own homes for the first time ever,” she explains.

After retirement, David Anderson, along with his wife, moved back to his home state of South Carolina to enjoy the “slower pace” and “southern hospitality.” However, he says that Bridgeport will always hold a special place in his heart.

“I do miss my hometown of many years, Bridgeport. I miss my lifelong friends — many have passed away. I also miss my church family and friends,” he says.

David Anderson adds that even at 93 years old, he still feels the same great sense of loyalty to his country as the day he first joined the military.

“Pledge allegiance to our flag and serve honorably and protect our country. The U.S. Armed Forces will teach you discipline and respect. They will instill integrity and honor,” he says.

Inspired by her father her entire life, Cindy Anderson calls him “Our Superman.”

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