The South Korean Army’s 1st Corps JSA Guard Battalion announced on Tuesday that it held a memorial ceremony on November 22 to mark the 40th anniversary of the late Corporal Jang Myeong Gi’s death, who lost his life while serving in the UN Command Guard Battalion.
The ceremony, presided over by Lieutenant General Joo Seong Un, Commander of the 1st Corps, took place at the Hall of Devotion to the Nation. Approximately 100 people attended, including the JSA Guard Battalion Commander, the UN Command Guard Battalion Commander, representatives from the U.S. Veterans Association, the U.S. Retired Soldiers Association, the JSA Veterans Association, bereaved families, residents of Daeseong Dong, and South Korean and American soldiers. The event included an opening speech, reading memorial addresses by the South Korean and American battalion commanders, a roll call, floral tributes, silent prayers, and a commemorative photo. The ceremony concluded with participants laying flowers at the memorial stone for Corporal Jang, located at the site of the battle.
Corporal Jang tragically died on November 23, 1984, during a gunfight between the UN Command Guard Battalion and North Korean guards. The incident occurred when Vasily Matusak, a Soviet correspondent stationed in Pyongyang and part of a Soviet tourist group visiting Panmunjom, attempted to defect by crossing the Military Demarcation Line.
To honor his sacrifice, the UN Command Guard Battalion erected a memorial stone at the battle site and named his quarters Jang Barracks.
Additionally, the governments of South Korea and the United States recognized his valor by posthumously awarding him the Hwarang Order of Military Merit, a one-rank promotion, and the U.S. Army Commendation Medal. Memorial ceremonies are held every year on November 23 to honor his legacy.
Lieutenant Colonel Kim Tae Woo, the battalion commander, stated in his memorial address, “We will carry forward the will of the deceased and ensure that his noble sacrifice is not in vain by perfectly fulfilling our duties and safeguarding the freedom and peace of the JSA.”
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