Seongju County Presents Hwarang Military Merit Medal to Late Korean War Veteran Lee Deukgi After 71 Years

The late Sergeant Lee Deukgi, a Korean War veteran, was awarded the Hwarang Military Merit Medal 71 years after his service.

On December 9, Seongju County held a ceremony at the Munchi Senior Center in Chojeon-myeon to present the Hwarang Military Merit Medal to Sergeant Lee Deukgi, who distinguished himself in battle during the Korean War at the Yanggu District in Gangwon Province.

Lee Joungho (left), son of the late Sergeant Lee Deukgi, a Korean War veteran, receives the Hwarang Military Merit Medal on behalf of his father 71 years later. Provided by Seongju County

According to Seongju County, Sergeant Lee enlisted on August 11, 1952, and was discharged on November 1, 1954. In recognition of his outstanding courage and spirit of service during waterworks operations and combat missions in the Korean War, he was posthumously awarded the Hwarang Military Merit Medal.

This medal presentation was made possible through the Ministry of National Defense’s ongoing “Finding the Heroes of the Korean War Merit Medals” campaign, and the medal was delivered to Sergeant Lee’s son, Lee Joungho.

Lee Joungho, the bereaved family member, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am thankful to everyone who worked to restore my father’s honor for his dedication to the country, and I will cherish this honor dearly.”

Lee Byunghwan, Mayor of Seongju County, stated, “It is deeply meaningful to finally honor the distinguished service of the late Sergeant Lee, who devoted himself to the nation. We will continue to remember the sacrifice and dedication of our veterans and strengthen our support for their families.”