Hi, this is my grandfather. He was a Chinese immigrant from Shandong province who fought for the ROK in the Korean war and was wounded (showed me scars when I was younger). He lived out the rest of his life in Gongju.
I think he received this medal in the 1970s. There was a picture I saw of him receiving it from the president at the time which I can't find. It appears to be the Order of Military Merit, Hwarang Medal but I can't find out anything about why it is awarded to someone. My parents have no clue lol.
Would anybody here know?
https://i.redd.it/an7r002bxu5h1.jpeg
Posted by Interesting-Mud7499
3 Comments
화랑 무공훈장: Order of military merit, 4th class.
He must have distinguished in a battle he participated. Be proud of him, since he is one of the reasons why South Korea is flourishing.
Holy shit. Chinese patriot for Korea wow!
Grateful for his services.
I looked up some old articles. 47 Chinese volunteers were attached to the recon company, 15th Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Through February to April, 1951, they spearheaded the counterattack and suffered multiple casualties. Their leader, Wi Seobang/Wei Xufang(魏緖舫), received the Hwarang order of military merit on December 23, 1951. Wei lived in Kangneung after war and practiced oriental medicine. He passed away June 25, 1989, and buried at the Seoul National Cemetery.
15 other members were awarded the Hwarang order on June 19, 1959. Among them, Kang Hyerim/Jiang Huilin(姜惠霖) was the deputy commander of the recon company. During the close combat in Gwacheon, February 2, 1951, he was killed in action, aged 27. He was first buried at Busan, but later moved to the Seoul National Cemetery in 1964. Wei and Jiang are only two chinese national buried at the Seoul National Cemetery.
I guess your grandfather was one of the volunteers. I hope your grandfather had full life, and thank for his service.