Over 150 Irish soldiers who were once described as cowards have finally been officially recognised, and as heroes - 44 years after their famous battle.
Many of the survivors of the battle of Jadotville in the Congo did not live long enough to have their bravery recognised by Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea.
But 27 of the men who fought in Jadotville were in the Custume Barracks, Athlone, yesterday to hear Mr O'Dea call them "ordinary soldiers doing extraordinary things".
In 1960, soldiers from A Company 35th Battalion - mainly from Athlone - were sent to a hostile area in the Katagan area of the Congo.
They came under attack from thousands of Katagan soldiers. No Irish fatalities occurred despite the incessant siege, and they killed about 150 Katagan soldiers. They were released after a ceasefire, but their heroism was not recognised at home as military officials air-brushed the episode from history.
Survivors staged a diplomatic battle to have their bravery recognised and to counter the popular depiction of them as cowards.
Yesterday their efforts came to fruition when Mr O'Dea unveiled a commemorative plaque to honour them.
One of the survivors, retired Commandant Liam Donnelly, received a standing ovation after a moving speech in which he said that "such an episode should never be allowed to happen again".
"We are here to honour the bravery, devotion to duty, and professionalism of the Jadotville soldiers, and commanding officer Pat Quinlan who is no longer with us."