TRIBUTES WERE paid yesterday to the thousands of Irish men who fought in the Korean War which started 60 years ago on June 25th, 1950.
At a function in the Embassy of (South) Korea in Dublin, 11 known survivors gathered to remember the war. A further six relatives of known Irish-resident soldiers who have passed away were also in attendance.
The three-year conflict, which began with a North Korean invasion, left Korea in ruins and claimed at least three million lives.
Ambassador Kim Chang-Yeob praised the contribution made by the Irish in assisting the South Korean forces. “On behalf of the Republic of Korea, I pay homage to the Irish veterans who fought to preserve the freedom that we are now enjoying,” he said.
Ms Soonie Delap of the Korean National Unification Council who has lived in Ireland since 1981, presented ambassador for peace medals.
Johnny Hawkins (84) from Enniscorthy fought for the Australian military under its commonwealth commitments.“It was rough,” he said. We were on the move all the time. You were in a foxhole tonight and you’d be digging another one the next night. They’d come in on waves at you. It was hell.”