2008 Van Fleet Award Honoree
DON OBERDORFER
CHAIRMAN
U.S.-KOREA INSTITUTE
SCHOOL OF ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Over a distinguished career in journalism spanning nearly four decades, including a quarter century as a White House correspondent, Northeast Asia correspondent, and diplomatic correspondent for the Washington Post, Don Oberdorfer has established an unparalleled reputation as one of the leading American experts on Korea.
Don Oberdorfer is universally acclaimed for his thoughtful, thorough, and meticulous analysis of the diplomatic and strategic issues defining the relationship between the United States and the Korean peninsula, with a particular focus on the tensions and dramatic changes of the last quarter-century. His highly praised book, The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History, offers a lucid, balanced, and dramatic account of the major developments on both sides of the armistice line. This magisterial work is a model of the indispensable guidance Don Oberdorfer has provided to American policy makers and the general public alike. It has become the standard by which other contemporary histories of Korea will be judged.
Few Americans have done more than Don Oberdorfer to raise awareness of developments on the Korean peninsula or to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the background and context of U.S. Korea relations. These contributions testify eloquently to his unswerving, lifelong commitment to honest and independent inquiry. As the first journalist selected for this recognition, it is my great pleasure and honor to welcome Don Oberdorfer to the ranks of the distinguished recipients of the James A. Van Fleet Award.
2008 Van Fleet Award
PEACE CORPS KOREA VOLUNTEERS
Many Americans have dedicated themselves to the cause of U.S.–Korea friendship over the years. Few Americans have done more for this cause than the approximately 2,500 men and women who served as Peace Corps volunteers in Korea from 1966 to 1981. Answering their country’s call, these Americans gave two years of their lives to work in Korea during an era when the idea of Korea as a modern democracy and a world-class economy was only a dream in the minds of visionaries.
The Peace Corps Korea volunteers shared with Koreans from all walks of life their skills and their spirit of sacrifice. Traveling to a foreign land, they were determined to contribute to its development and did so in a way that is still remembered and appreciated on both sides of the Pacific. The volunteers shared their talents and knowledge with newfound friends in Korea, and in doing so they developed a deep appreciation for Korea’s culture and language as well as a strong affection for the Korean people.
Today, many Koreans speak of the profound educational and personal impact the Peace Corps volunteers had on them. And today, those volunteers continue to distinguish themselves in government, academia, and business, carrying with them and spreading to others the deep feelings for Korea that have helped make fast the bonds that link our two peoples. The Korea Society is pleased to honor the selfless dedication these Americans showed in support of U.S.–Korea relations by bestowing a 2008 James A. Van Fleet Award on the veterans of the Peace Corps Korea program. It is a special honor to have The Honorable Kevin O’Donnell, the first country director of the Peace Corps Korea program, accept the award on behalf of all those who served America–and Korea–so well as Peace Corps Korea volunteers.