Veterans Affairs Vice Minister Colonel Lee Hee-wan... "Hero of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong Victory"

President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed Navy Colonel Lee Hee-wan, a key figure in the victory of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on the 6th. Since colonels typically hold positions equivalent to a director level in the Ministry of National Defense, his appointment is regarded as a groundbreaking personnel decision.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Second Battle of Yeonpyeong was a naval battle that took place on June 29, 2002, near Yeonpyeong Island close to the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea, following the first battle in June 1999. Two North Korean patrol boats crossed south of the NLL, leading to a roughly 20-minute engagement. Our Navy’s Chamsuri-class patrol boat No. 357, commanded by Major Yoon Young-ha (then Captain), suffered six casualties. The North Korean vessels, with about 30 casualties, retreated engulfed in flames.

At the time, Vice Minister Lee Hee-wan held the rank of first lieutenant and served as the deputy commander of Chamsuri No. 357. When Commander Yoon Young-ha fell on the deck and died in action, Lee took direct command and encouraged the troops. He sustained injuries to both legs during the battle and lost his right leg after being hit by a 37mm North Korean shell. Lee continued to serve in the Navy for over 20 years after the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong. He worked in the Navy Headquarters’ Personnel Staff Department as a lieutenant colonel and was promoted to colonel on the 1st of this month.

Vice Minister Lee accompanied President Yoon Suk-yeol on his state visit to the United States in April, attending the 70th anniversary luncheon commemorating the South Korea-U.S. alliance. In June, he was also invited to the Blue House’s State Guest House where President Yoon hosted Korean War veterans. Since late last year, he has been involved with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in the 'Heroes Family Program,' which provides tailored support to minor children of fallen military, police, and firefighters.

▲ From Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk (age 47) ▲ Ulsan Seongsin High School ▲ 54th class of the Korea Naval Academy ▲ Participated in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, awarded Combat Merit (Chungmu Order of Military Merit) ▲ Professor of Psychology at the Korea Naval Academy ▲ Instructor of Operational Tactics at the Naval War College ▲ Personnel Development and Education Officer at Navy Headquarters ▲ Education Policy Officer at Navy Headquarters