Family and friends of Korean War veteran, Ronald Freedman, a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient who passed away recently at age 85, gathered Sunday afternoon at the Lakeside Landings clubhouse in Oxford to celebrate his life — with his wife, Nancy Smith Freedman, son Bruce, daughter Lynn, and several grandchildren. The Rev. Tom Wilt urged the congregants to focus on the relationships in their lives, cherish them, and reach out to other people with love. To recall Ron’s Jewish heritage, a friend lit a candle and recited the Jewish Prayer for the Dead (Kaddish) in both Hebrew and English.
Several years ago, Freedman reviewed 71 love letters he had written to his new friend, Nancy Smith, from the battlefields of South Korea, in the early 1950s — and compiled them in a book, together with embellishments and insights from his 21st century perspective as an octogenarian. The book has a curious title — “Love Letters to Pete — A Korean War Memoir.” There were two Nancy Smith’s at her college, hence his ultra-feminine ‘friend’ was dubbed ‘Pete’ at school.
If Lakeside Landings resident, Nancy Smith, had not saved her love letters intact in a Lord & Taylor shoe box for more than 60 years, the heroic artillery soldier’s poignant account of the horrors of war in South Korea — and about life — never would have been shared with the world. The book, edited and published by Mary Lois Sanders of Lady Lake, is not only a treasure trove of memories, but a personal account of American history from the bloody battlefront of Pork Chop Hill — and the blossoming of young love, between Ron and Nancy, which lasted a lifetime.
In nearly 300 pages, Freedman speaks from the heart about his experiences, with deep psychological honesty, from thin airmail stationery, to the beautiful young woman he had just met and hardly knew. Nancy would later become his wife — twice. The letters, which began as ‘Dear Pete,’ progressed to ‘My Dearest Pete’ and ‘Darling.” At first, Nancy, busy with school, didn’t reply. But after Ron sent her a small Korean purse as a gift, their correspondence began.
The boredom, the loneliness and the sheer terror of life in a battle zone; the team spirit among troops struggling to survive under intense fire; the camaraderie and violent death of fellow soldiers — is all recalled by Freedman, in a strangely gentle way. The accelerated maturity of young men pressed into inhumane conduct and judgments far beyond their tender years — and the deep yearnings all humans share for peace, love, an armistice and a normal life — make ‘Love Letters to Pete’ an important book.
The added commentary at the end of each letter, tells of happenings Freedman didn’t want to reveal to his friend or his parents during the war, and looks back with the viewpoint of a man who has lived a full and happy life. A collection of 77 photos — of Freedman’s army days in South Korea, and of his more recent family life — enrich the stories for readers and make them even more memorable. Comments from readers who purchased the book through amazon.com include notes from other Korean veterans, who attest to the authenticity of Freedman’s recollections; and from others who said they now have a whole new understanding of war and peace.
Originally from Chelsea, Mass., Ron Freedman raised his family in Connecticut where they owned and operated a successful retail ski business and were avid skiers. Ron made friends easily, loved boating, and moved to Punta Gorda before moving to central Florida. Nancy Smith was a teacher, until recently teaching in a Montessori school. They separated some years ago, and remarried.
“We learned to look at each other as we were earlier in our lives,” Nancy said, “and not with the infirmities of our eighties.” She wore the pale lilac dress from her second wedding day to the memorial service.
Freedman’s son, Bruce, thanked his father for instilling in him the love of music, and the confusion which growing up half-Jewish brings. Grandson, Jesse, read from his father’s Silver Star award certificate, about Freedman’s bravery as a second lieutenant forward observer scouting from a bunker, rescuing a critically wounded comrade after the rest of his 7th infantry platoon had been killed. Freedman’s daughter, Lynn, was grateful her parents had reconciled and spent their last few years together. She praised the high expectations her father always had for them, which guided them to a good life. She is also grateful Jesse has expressed interest in carrying on the family ski business.
Freedman’s brother, Steve, said he was very proud to be Ron’s brother, and told of Ron’s U.S. Army assignment, with two years of high school Spanish, as liaison officer for Puerto Rican troops who either couldn’t or wouldn’t speak English. He mentioned his father meeting baseball great, Ted Williams, during his military service in Korea, and joked Ron’s soldiers were more afraid of Ron’s wild jeep driving than they were of the enemy.
The service ended with words and prayers from Freedman’s Punta Gorda Purple Heart Society Chapter 759 members, Bob Conetta and Art McGinnis, and Rev. Wilt, who described Freedman’s life as “an unbelievably beautiful mosaic of brilliant pieces of glass spelling out a loving life.”
Freedman was beginning to arrange book signings and talks about his war experiences for clubs in The Villages and surrounding area when he passed away. His wife, Nancy Smith, may continue to promote the book to interested groups. The publisher is Court Jester Publications, 7043 SE 173rd Arlington Loop, Lady Lake, FL 32162. Nancy Smith can be reached at [email protected].