Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Shin Won Sik appreciated his contribution to the combined defense posture

General Burleson said, “I will continue to support a robust ROK-US Alliance”

He resigned from office after serving for three years and seven months, leaving on April 5

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik (left) presents the Gukseon Medal of the Order of National Security Merit to Commanding General of the Eighth United States Army Willard McKenzie Burleson III and speaks with him at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on April 1.

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik presented the Gukseon Medal of the Order of National Security Merit to Commanding General of the Eighth United States Army Lieutenant General Willard Burleson, who will resign and have a farewell ceremony on April 5 after serving for three years and seven months, at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on April 1.

The Order of National Security Merit is the Korean government’s top honor presented to those who have made a significant contribution to the national security of Korea. There are five classes in the decoration, and the Gukseon Medal is the second class.

The award ceremony was attended by key officers, including Gen. Kang Shin Chul, deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command (CFC), and Brig. Gen. Derek N. Lipson, commander of the US Special Operations Command-Korea (SOCKOR).

Since his inauguration as the commanding general of the Eighth United States Army, General Burleson has made remarkable efforts to strengthen the combined defense posture with close ROK-US collaboration amid the COVID-19 crisis and North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats.

In particular, he made a significant contribution to enhancing interoperability between South Korea and US, and the combined defense posture last year and this year through combined ROK-US exercises with the largest scale ever, combined joint live-fire exercises, and combined training at the US National Training Center (NTC), the Defense Ministry explained.

Minister Shin said that these efforts by General Burleson helped deter the North’s provocations and build peace through strength on the Korean Peninsula.

Minister Shin also said, “I would expect you to contribute to the development of the ROK-US Alliance as a solid supporter of the Alliance, even after retirement.”

General Burleson replied, “The Order of National Security Merit is a special honor for me, and I will continue my support for the robust alliance.” General Burleson will retire on May 31 after serving in the military for 36 years.

By Ah-Mi, Cho <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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