On the 27th, Jeong Jong-bok, the mayor of Gijang-gun, presented the Hwarang Military Merit Medal and certificate to Heo Jeong-tae, the nephew of the late Heo Sang-chul, who made remarkable contributions during the Korean War, and Jo Taek-sang, the child of the late Jo Yong-gil.
The medal presentation was part of the Ministry of National Defense and Army Headquarters' "Korean War Military Merit Medal Recipient Search Project," which seeks to find veterans and bereaved families who were awarded medals for their distinguished service during the Korean War but did not receive the physical medals and certificates due to urgent battlefield circumstances.
Jeong Jong-bok, head of Gijang County (first on the right), is presenting the Hwarang Military Merit Medal to the family of a Korean War veteran.
Heo Jeong-tae, nephew of the late Heo Sang-chul, and Jo Taek-sang, child of the late Jo Yong-gil, who received the medals on their behalf, said, "We must forever remember those who sacrificed for the country," and added, "We are grateful for the efforts to restore the honor of our fathers who devoted themselves to the nation, even if belatedly, and we will cherish this honor today."
Jeong Jong-bok, mayor of Gijang-gun, expressed his regret that the medals could not be presented directly to the deceased but said, "It is fortunate that the medals have finally found their rightful owners," and pledged, "The military will continue to strive to ensure that the patriotism of those who willingly sacrificed for the country shines even brighter."
The Hwarang Military Merit Medal is the fourth highest military decoration of the Republic of Korea, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated distinguished military merit by participating in combat during wartime or equivalent emergencies, or by performing combat-related duties such as responding to enemy attacks in combat zones.
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