Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Served in the US Army 8240th Unit and Yeongdo Guerrilla Unit.

Among those previously omitted, individuals were awarded decorations following a merit review process.

Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho: “In memory of noble sacrifices”

Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho (middle, front row) and attendees posed for a photograph at the MND Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, during an award ceremony recognizing members of irregular forces for their service in the Korean War on June 11.

On the occasion of the Month of Patriots and Veterans, the Ministry of National Defense presented the Order of Military Merit to members of irregular forces who had previously been omitted from the list of eligible recipients, despite their significant contributions during the Korean War.

On June 11, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho awarded the Order of Military Merit to 24 individuals who served as members of irregular forces during the Korean War at the MND Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He also expressed gratitude to their families for their patriotism and devotion.

Since 2011, the Ministry of National Defense has implemented a system to identify individuals who made significant contributions during the Korean War but were previously overlooked for awards. Through in-depth investigations and reviews based on historical records, these individuals are now eligible to receive appropriate recognition and decorations. A total of 340 Korean War veterans have been identified and awarded the Order of Military Merit as of this year.

This year, in accordance with the Korean War Irregular Forces Compensation Act, 24 individuals recognized for their contributions—who had not previously been awarded despite their clear military service in the US Army 8240th Unit or the Yeongdo Guerrilla Unit—were selected. The Order of Military Merit was presented to the families on behalf of those deceased contributors.

Acting Defense Minister Kim said, “I extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the irregular forces. Without military service numbers or ranks, they infiltrated enemy areas in times of crisis and successfully carried out missions such as guerrilla operations.” He added, “The Ministry of National Defense will ensure that all people—including future generations—recognize those who dedicated themselves to the nation during times of crisis as national heroes. We will actively implement related policies while always remembering their noble sacrifices.”

Applications for monetary compensation will be accepted until March of next year.

The Ministry of National Defense’s Korean War Irregular Forces Compensation Support Unit, also known as the “Support Unit,” publicizes the activities and sacrifices of irregular forces through its application process. It also works to ensure that all eligible individuals receive compensation.

The Support Unit is conducting both online and offline promotions through broadcast media, electronic displays, and the websites of related government institutions and local governments. Moreover, the Support Unit is carrying out cooperation with related organizations, including the Korean Convalescent Hospital Association, the Korean Senior Citizens Association, the Korea Veterans Health Service, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The Support Unit explained that 20,000 individuals served in the KLO Unit, the US Army 8240th Unit, and the Yeongdo Guerrilla Unit. Among them, 4,000 have applied for compensation. We are actively encouraging eligible contributors and their families who have not yet applied to submit their applications and are intensifying efforts through the official Contributor Identification Program to locate additional eligible individuals.”

Applications for compensation payments for Korean War irregular forces will be accepted until March 31, 2026. For details, please refer to the Irregular Forces Compensation Review Committee (phone: 02-6424-5505) on the Ministry of National Defense website.

Lim Cheon-yeong, Chairman of the Irregular Forces Compensation Review Committee at the Ministry of National Defense, said, “We are striving to identify all irregular forces contributors who dedicated themselves during the national crisis and to ensure their contributions are properly recognized. Considering most contributors are at least 90 years old, we will make every effort to provide prompt compensation so that their honor is restored and recognized.”

By A-mi, jo <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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