South Korean honour for veteran Royal Marine Captain Ron 10 March 2023 Topic: Fighting armsRoyal Marines Storyline: Royal Marines More than 70 years after he and his comrades helped keep the Communist tide at bay and ensured democracy would survive on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, green beret Ron Moyse was recognised. The retired Royal Marines captain was formally presented with a medal on behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea. At the age of 94, Ron, who lives in Canford Chase care home in Branksome Park, Bournemouth, is officially an ‘ambassador for peace’. The award was originally presented to Korean veterans who made the pilgrimage back to the country as part of its ‘revisit programme’; it has subsequently been expanded to all those who served in the 1950-53 conflict but are unable to make the lengthy journey to Korea. The Royal Navy was committed throughout the Korean War, with Ron’s 41 Independent Commando serving in the country from late 1950 until the end of 1951, from fighting alongside US Marines as far north as Lake Chosin, to amphibious raids behind North Korean lines. Major General Andrew Keeling, who served the Corps for 34 years – including in 41 Cdo and later in charge of 3 Commando Brigade – presented Ron with his medal in a ceremony with friends, family and care home staff. He also presented a certificate on behalf of the government in Seoul in which its “everlasting gratitude” was expressed for “restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy. “We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us re-establish our free nation.”
