4 Korean War Vets to Get Medals for Service

Four decorated Korean War veterans will receive Oct. 1 the Medal of Military Merit at a ceremony commemorating the 61st anniversary of Armed Forces Day in Gyeryongdae, South Chungcheong Province.

Do Yeon-cheong was searcher for the 21st regiment of the 8th Division between 1952 and 1953, distinguishing himself in the battles of Mount Baekam and Geumseong region. He was awarded a certificate to receive the Medal of Military Merit Chungmu but never received the medal.

In the Korean War, many soldiers received certificates instead of medals. The Korean Army in 1955 launched a campaign to give the medals to those who received only certificates. Since then, it has awarded medals to 84,460 out of 162,959 veterans.

Do also used the occasion to blast draft dodgers, saying, “Draft dodgers who used creative methods to evade military service have made me feel miserable. If more people strive to evade military service, who will give their blood when the nation is at risk?”

In addition, the Medal of Military Merit Hwarang went to Park Geun-ha, who served in the second regiment of the 6th Division who rendered distinguished service in the Battle of Chuncheon Region; Jeon Man-seok, a reserve who performed meritorious deeds at the Battle of Inje District; and Mun Jong-seop of the 36th regiment of the 5th Division.

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