09/13/2026
I was told yesterday that someone vandalized the below pictured statue at Veterans Park. They broke the barrel off the r***e. I have never make a negative post. Well tonight I’m stepping out of character. I don’t curse or I would use very colorful words. Please know that the lack of those words, does not lessen the anger that I harbor against whoever desecrated this statue.
Those statues represent what is great about Tomahawk, its people. Not just our Military, but our Police, Firefighters and EMTs. Those who put their lives on hold at any given moment to go where many refuse, or fear, to go. Why? Because it’s who they are. Now, back to the statue, Sergeant Einar H. Ingman Jr is just one example of what Veterans Park is about. If you are a young person who doesn’t know about him, please take a moment to read about what he selflessly did to protect his fellow soldiers and the Country he loved. (This information was copied from Einar H. Ingman Jr’s Congressional Medal of Honor Society Citation:
Korean War - U.S. Army
EINAR HAROLD INGMAN JR
* RANK: SERGEANT (RANK AT TIME OF ACTION: CORPORAL)
* CONFLICT/ERA: KOREAN WAR
* UNIT/COMMAND: �3D PLATOON, COMPANY E, 17TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, �7TH INFANTRY DIVISION
* MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY
* MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: FEBRUARY 26, 1951
* MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: NEAR MALTARI, KOREA
CITATION
Sgt. Ingman, a member of Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The two leading squads of the assault platoon of his company, while attacking a strongly fortified ridge held by the enemy, were pinned down by withering fire, and both squad leaders and several men were wounded. Cpl. Ingman assumed command, reorganized, and combined the two squads, then moved from one position to another, designating fields of fire and giving advice and encouragement to the men. Locating an enemy machine-gun position that was raking his men with devastating fire, he charged it alone, threw a gr***de into the position, and killed the remaining crew with r***e fire. Another enemy machine gun opened fire approximately 15 yards away and inflicted additional casualties to the group and stopped the attack. When Cpl. Ingman charged the second position he was hit by gr***de fragments and a hail of fire which seriously wounded him about the face and neck and knocked him to the ground. With incredible courage and stamina, he arose instantly and, using only his r***e, killed the entire gun crew before falling unconscious from his wounds. As a result of the singular action by Cpl. Ingman, the defense of the enemy was broken, his squad secured its objective, and more than 100 hostile troops abandoned their weapons and fled in disorganized retreat. Cpl. Ingman's indomitable courage, extraordinary heroism, and superb leadership reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.
Other medals awarded:
Personal Valor and Medical Awards
* Purple Heart (with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster): He received two Purple Hearts—one for a previous combat injury earlier in the war, and a second for the severe head, face, and neck wounds he sustained during his Medal of Honor actions.
* Combat Infantryman Badge: Awarded to infantry soldiers who personally fought in active ground combat.
Service and Campaign Medals
* Army Good Conduct Medal: For honorable and faithful service.
* National Defense Service Medal: Given for military service during periods of national emergency.
* Korean Service Medal (with Three Bronze Campaign Stars): Indicating his participation in three distinct military campaigns during the war.
* United Nations Korea Medal: A global service medal awarded by the UN to military members who assisted in defending South Korea.
* Republic of Korea War Service Medal: Awarded by the South Korean government to UN forces.
This is why this breaks the hearts of every veteran in Tomahawk, and affects every citizen as well. I am not a native of Tomahawk and though my identity is in Christ, my life has been dedicated to “service”. I was raised by my dad, Retired CSM Jack Newman, US Army, Infantryman, Korean Combat Veteran that received a Purple Heart. I have two nephews who served in Iraq, one of which received a Purple Heart as well. I also served in the Army, was assigned to the 82nd Military Police and deployed to Operation Urgent Fury, Grenada. My dad raised me to respect others and taught me that service to others is the highest honor one can do for another. I honestly live to serve. It is what meets that place in my heart that gives me purpose. It is also what makes America work. If we all lived selfishly, like the one who desecrated this statue, then America would be no better than any other country in the World.
When this *pond scum decides that something doesn’t matter to them, and decided to destroy it simply because they can, it doesn’t just damage the “symbol” of Sergeant Ingman’s sacrifice for this Nation, but it goes directly against every active duty Military and veteran here in Tomahawk. It also goes against the very core of Tomahawk. It strikes at the very heart of every individual of our township. Shame on you for what you have done. You have no clue what your selfish actions have done to the people of this town.
Those of us who served, hurt deeply over this but, we will continue to serve. We will continue to love and care for our comrades. We will continue, as The Tomahawk Honor Guard, The VFW and The American Legion to serve the families of our fallen comrades in their time of grieving and we will also continue to reach out to our young men and women to model military standard values as best as we know how.
If anyone out there knows who did this, please do the right thing and report it to Law Enforcement.
I personally choose to forgive whoever did this.
*Part of the definition of the term “Pond Scum” is worthless. I don’t find that part of the definition appropriate to you. We all have worth, even you. Your actions were selfish, irresponsible and hateful but you can make this right. It won’t be easy but it would be the right thing to do. No matter what your age, grow up, confess and apologize. Become a the man or woman of character and integrity you created to be. It’s never too late to change.
