Peter Harry Gawron

A Silver Creek resident who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict will be honored as the grand marshal for the city of Dunkirk Memorial Day services and parade. Peter Harry Gawron, 91, who began his service in July 1951, received the honor from the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council.

Within months after arriving in Korea, Gawron was wounded and later received the Purple Heart. After recuperating from his wounds, he participated in the major campaign known as the Battle of Bunker Hill in August 1952. Gawron said that period incurred some of the heaviest fighting during the conflict.

He returned stateside in April 1953 and made the rank of sergeant before being released from active duty in July 1953. That month, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Lester. Together, the couple had six children.

At 91, Gawron is an avid golfer and “loves to two-step several times a week as a winter Texan.” He also enjoys spending time with his children.

Gawron will be honored at the Memorial Day services in Memorial Park at 10 a.m. and be escorted in the parade on Monday that begins at 11 a.m. on Lake Shore Drive before moving to Central Avenue.