Award Order Delivered After an Incredible 71 Years
Deputy Governor Moon: "I Will Serve the Nation Following My Father"
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Moon Geum-ju, former Vice Governor of Jeonnam Province, received the ‘6.25 War Merit Medal’ on the 18th on behalf of her late father, Sergeant Moon Tae-hwan, who defended the homeland during the Korean War.
The merit medal of the late Sergeant Moon Tae-hwan arrived in the family’s hands 71 years after the award order was issued, touching the hearts of those who witnessed the moment, as it came long after the deceased had passed away.
Sergeant Moon enlisted in April 1948 and served in the Army’s 7th Division. In December 1950, he was recognized for his contributions and selected as a recipient of the merit medal during the war.
However, due to the urgent war situation and the subsequent chaotic political circumstances on the Korean Peninsula, the medal had not reached its rightful owner until now.
On this day, the medal honoring the father’s military merit in defending the country was presented to Vice Governor Moon, who works for Jeonnam Province as a public official serving the nation like her father, adding deeper significance to the occasion.
The government launched the ‘6.25 War Merit Medal Recipient Search Task Force’ in 2019 to find hidden heroes who protected the Republic of Korea.
Through this project, the late Sergeant Moon’s merit medal was able to be delivered to his son, Vice Governor Moon.
Vice Governor Moon Geum-ju said, “My father often spoke about advancing to the Cheongcheon River during his lifetime and drinking its water, and that my uncle also died in action in the northern region during the war,” adding, “It is regrettable that he passed away in 2002 without receiving the medal during his lifetime.”
She continued, “I am very grateful that the country has not forgotten him even belatedly and has delivered the medal,” and said, “I will dedicate myself to the development of the nation and my hometown Jeonnam, following in my father’s footsteps.”
Meanwhile, it is presumed that Vice Governor Moon’s uncle, the late Moon Tae-nyeon, died in combat in the Deokcheon area of Pyongbuk Province. Testimonies from comrades who last saw him taking cover under a floor after being hit by gunfire there have evoked deep sorrow.
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