Victorian veterans who gave service to their country during the Korean War have been awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal.
Minister for Veterans John Eren last night joined Consul General of the Republic of Korea Hongju Jo as 13 Victorian servicemen were presented with the special honour. The Ambassador for Peace Medal is awarded by the Korean Government to the troops who helped repel the North Korean invasion.
In 1950, North Korea was on the verge of conquering South Korea before a United Nations counter-offensive intervened. Australia was one of 21 nations to answer the UN’s call, as an estimated 17,000 Australians left home to serve. Some 339 would never return.
The Ambassador for Peace Medal is an expression of appreciation for the brave Australians that did both countries proud, but also a sign of the close ties Australia and South Korea share. Korea is Victoria’s ninth largest trading partner, and we share a sister-state relationship with Busan.
More than half a million military personnel and one million civilians died in the Korean War.
The Victorian veterans awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal last night are:
- Lawrence Hubbard
- Bernard Kaye
- Lloyd Knight
- John Laughton
- Michael Littleton
- Bartley Marley
- William Prentice
- Lindsay Rainbow
- Allan Ryan
- Bernie Schultz
- Brian Gibson
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans John Eren
“Our veterans bravely gave their service to our country, and helped safeguard the freedom the Republic of Korea enjoys .”
“The Ambassador for Peace Medal is an expression of appreciation for the brave Australians that did both nations proud, but also a sign of the close ties Australia and South Korea share.”
“Our veterans deserve the greatest respect. It’s our duty to remember their sacrifice and pay tribute to their extraordinary service.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021