Cedarhurst resident recognized for military service

Kempton Hicks of Cedarhurst was one of 16 local military veterans honored at Assemblyman Brian Curran’s (D- Lynbrook) annual Veterans’ Hall of Honor event at the St. Mary’s Maris Stella Council 2228 Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook on Oct. 26.

For four years, Curran has presented each honoree with an official New York State Assembly Proclamation to thank them for their service to both their communities and their country. Family members and friends were invited to celebrate with the veterans

“First and foremost, it is a priority to honor the veterans every single year,” Curran said. “Not only do we recognize them for their service, but how they help their comrades after they leave the service.”

Kempton Hicks enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school in 1948 and served for four years. At the start of the Korean War, as part of the 1st Marine Division, he was sent to Korea and participated in the assault and seizure of Inchon in 1950. From Inchon, along with his unit, Hicks moved on to serve in Seoul, which they captured.

He also participated in the Wonsan and Hungnam/Chosin campaigns in northern Korea and took part in the operation against enemy forces in south-central Korea. In Wonsan, he served with the Navy and they successfully blockaded the strategic port city of Wonsan.

In Hungnam/Chosin, United Nations forces (mainly led by the United States) became surrounded and outnumbered at Chosin Reservoir, when the People’s Republic of China entered the conflict.

Hicks, along with U.N. forces, were able to break through Chinese lines and successfully evacuate to Hungnam port, which was another turning point in the Korean conflict. Those who participated in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir such as Hicks were dubbed with the nickname “The Chosin Few.”

After returning stateside in 1951, Kempton was assigned to serve as a Marine recruiter. He was discharged in September 1952 with the rank of staff sergeant. On Nov. 2, of that year, Hicks married his wife, Barbara, who was a nurse. They have three children and eight grandchildren.

Hicks attended Adelphi University for eight years at night and received a degree in accounting. He became a certified public accountant and after 40 years he retired. “It was a surprise to be honored,” Hicks said. “I had a great experience serving and remember it well. I always want to help my fellow servicemen and women.”

He is a member of the Marine Corps League (MCL), the Chosin Few, Korean War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. He is still active in the Western Long Island Detachment of the MCL.

Kempton has also been very active in his church, St. Paul’s United Methodist in Inwood, for the past 50 years. “His biography is absolutely amazing,” Curran said. “He does so much for other veterans.”