Calling all Korean War veterans – The Republic of Korea wants to honour them

Only five years after the end of WWII, Australia became involved in the Korean War from 1950 – 1953. It is often known as the forgotten war.

Personnel from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Australian Regular Army (ARA) served for three years in the defence of South Korea.

The armistice that ended the War is celebrated on 27 July each year. This year it was held at the Flame of Remembrance, State War Memorial in Kings Park.

More than twelve months ago, the Royal Australian Regiment As- sociation of Western Australia was asked to locate sixty-nine of their Korean Veteran members who fought in the conflict.

The Minister for Patriots and Veterans Affairs from The Republic of Korea would like to present ‘Ambassador for Peace’ medals to the veteran or their families.

Some veterans may have passed away but if so families are asked to receive the medal on their behalf.

The certificate attached to the medal reads:

“It is with great honour and plea- sure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in the restoring and pre- serving our freedom and democracy. We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us re-establish our free nation. In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an “Ambassador for Peace” with every good wish of people of Republic of Korea. Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.”

If any reader is a Korean war veteran who served in the Royal Australian Regiment or knows of one, please contact president of the Royal Australian Regiment Association Peter Heeney on 0417 559 973.

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