Courtney Presents Medals to Korean War Veterans

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney is keeping busy throughout the Second Congressional District this week, presenting a number of U.S. military veterans with the ‘Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal’ for their service in the in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Korea between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953, during the Korean War.

On Monday, the congressman visited Enfield Town Hall to award medals to 14 deserving veterans, including a dozen from Enfield.

“I am honored to recognize the service and sacrifice of eastern Connecticut veterans who took part in the UN peacekeeping mission during the Korean War,” said Courtney. “While they served long ago, their role has not been forgotten in either this country, or in South Korea which bestowed the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medals I presented to them today. It is important that we take this opportunity to honor and remember the service of these veterans in front of their families and their communities.”

The Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean government for U.S. veterans and those who served in United Nations peacekeeping missions. To be eligible for the medal, a veteran must have served between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953 - including Navy veterans serving aboard a vessel assigned to Korean waters during this period - or participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955.

The commemorative medal may be awarded posthumously to family members on behalf of a veteran who has passed away. Veterans and their families can contact Rep. Courtney’s office to determine whether they are eligible to receive this medal, and for assistance with the application process through the Korean government.

The Enfield Town Hall medal ceremony on Monday, March 7 recognized:

Ronald Jansujwkz - Enfield - Army

Walter F. Gill - Enfield – Army

John G. Fenner - Enfield - Army

Leonard Wisnesky - Enfield - Air Force

Lionel Gendreau - Enfield - Air Force

Henry Buanno - Enfield - Air Force

David B. Dubios - Enfield - Army

James McGuiness - Enfield - Army

Richard Quint - Enfield - Army

Francis Gannuscio - Enfield - Army

Hubert Hampton - Tolland - Army

Edward Dubchy - Enfield - Army

Biagio A. Russo - Storrs - Army

Henry J. Czehura - Enfield - Navy

Photo courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney