Yeongyang-gun presents Hwarang Medal of Military Merit to family of late Korean War veteran Choi Deuk-ryong

Yeongyang-gun in North Gyeongsang Province presented the Hwarang Medal of Military Merit and its citation to the family of the late Choi Deuk-ryong, a Korean War veteran who distinguished himself in combat, officials said Friday.

The ceremony was made possible through an ongoing project by the Ministry of National Defense and Army Headquarters to locate and deliver unawarded Korean War medals of military merit.

Choi had been designated to receive the decoration during the war, but the chaos of combat and its aftermath left the honor unclaimed for more than 70 years.

Yeongyang-gun delivered the medal and citation directly to the family on behalf of the defense minister, expressing deep gratitude for the late veteran's sacrifice and service.

A family member who attended the ceremony said the recognition was deeply moving. "Even after so many years, you have not forgotten my father's service and have come to honor it — I am profoundly grateful," the family member said. "We will cherish this medal and pass on his noble love of country to future generations."

Yeongyang-gun Mayor O Do-chang said the freedom and peace people enjoy today are owed to the sacrifice of those who gave everything for their country. "It is deeply meaningful to be able, even belatedly, to honor the memory of the deceased and personally deliver this medal to his family," he said.