British Korean War Veteran Donates His Victoria Cross and Other Medals to South Korea

I always wonder if 50 years from now if any veterans of either the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will feel the same way this British veteran felt when he came to Korea and saw the incredible progress the country has made since the end of the Korean War?:

A Korean War hero from Britain expressed hope on Tuesday that South Korea’s younger generation will carry on the lofty spirit of those before them who spared no sacrifice to defend the country and rebuild their war-torn homeland.

William Speakman, one of 51 veterans from the former British Commonwealth, arrived here Monday for a six-day trip. The former soldiers fought against the invading North Korea backed by China during the 1950-53 war.

In a symbolic goodwill gesture, Speakman donated 10 medals he earned during his 23-year military career, including three from his 10-month wartime service in Korea. He was a private affiliated with the First Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.

“I decided to donate my medals to the people of South Korea, because … you rebuilt your country and what you’ve done, it truly touches me,” the elderly man said in a press meeting in Seoul.

One of the medals is the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valor to members of the armed forces of Commonwealth countries. Speakman received it from Queen Elizabeth II in 1952.

On November 4, 1951, at the age of 24, Speakman led his party in a series of grenade charges against heavy shell and mortar fire by more than 6,000 Chinese forces in the inter-Korean border town of Yeoncheon. Undaunted by severe wounds to his leg, he led operations to help save the lives of many of his comrades when they were forced to withdraw from their position. Speakman recalled that it was “not out of bravery but that was the way we were trained.”  [Yonhap]

You can read the rest at the link, but Mr. Speakman also stated that when he dies he wants his ashes spread in South Korea.