Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

All the soldiers of the 10th Hanbit Unit, who are carrying out peacekeeping operations (PKO) far away from home in South Sudan, Africa, have been awarded UN medals.  

On April 19th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that “286 soldiers of the 10th Hanbit Unit received a UN medal, the highest honor given to UN peacekeeping forces, on April 17th (local time).” 

On Wednesday, the 10th Hanbit Unit held a UN medal presentation ceremony under the supervision of the commander of the east sector of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) at the base in Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister and the Administrator of UNMISS Jonglei State, the commanders of troops dispatched to adjacent areas, such as India, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia, and local residents.  

The 10th Hanbit Unit was deployed to South Sudan last November, and has been fully engaged in reconstruction operations, including the extension of Bor and Pibor Airport runways, the repair of main roads and drain maintenance.

Critically, they completed the construction of a 322㎞ Mongalla-Bor-Pibor road, connecting the capital Juba and other main cities of South Sudan. 

The unit also has been contributing to the independence of locals in South Sudan and promoting harmony among tribes by operating a vocational school and farm. The unit gives hope to the people of South Sudan through civil and military operations, such as medical aid for the people and offering supplies.

“The Hanbit Unit is the best exemplary UNMISS unit equipped with the best technology. The 10th Hanbit Unit’s accomplishments greatly contribute to the establishment of peace and reconstruction in South Sudan, and opening up a future of hope,” Commander of East Sector of UNMISS Brigadier General Mobammod Jahangir Alam (Bangladesh) said in his congratulatory speech, giving the unit high praise.

“We will continue to do our best in accomplishing missions that will live up to the name of the unit, which means ‘bright light illuminating South Sudan,’” stressed Colonel Won Seung-gu, commander of the 10th Hanbit Unit.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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