Tanaiste Simon Harris (PA)
Tanaiste Simon Harris (PA)
An Irish soldier has been awarded the distinguished service medal posthumously.
Private Billy Kedian from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo was killed in action in Lebanon in 1999, and has now made history as the first Army private to be awarded a DSM.
The 21-year-old had been on his second peacekeeping mission to Unifil.
The Defence Forces said in the early hours of May, hostile fire had broken out close to UNP 6-42, at which Private Kedian was stationed.
At 5am a mortar round impacted within the confines of UNP 6-42, fatally injuring the young soldier.
A Defence Forces’ Medals Board, which reviewed the case, concluded that Private Kedian’s selfless actions, were deserving of the posthumous award of the DSM With Honour.
The DSM With Honour has only been awarded on 31 previous occasions.
Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris made the special presentation to Private Kedian’s sisters Ann and Mary during a ceremony at Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa in Galway on Saturday.
Mr Harris paid tribute to Private Kedian, saying he had put himself in harm’s way to protect others.
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“Were it not for the courage, bravery and the highest level of selfless devotion to duty, Private Kedian would likely have been the first of his Company to reach the protection of the bunker in the early hours of 31 May 1999,” he said.
“Instead, Private Kedian put himself in harm’s way for the protection of others.“He did this without hesitation, ensuring the safety of his comrades, while sacrificing his own safety, embodying the highest values of our Defence Forces.”
Mr Harris said, through the award of the DSM, the young soldier will never be forgotten.
“He, too, will always retain the gratitude of the Irish Government, the women and men of Oglaigh na hEireann, and above all, the Irish people,” he said.
He went on to speak about the important role of Irish peacekeepers on missions across the world, “as typified by the service given by Private Kedian”.
“Oglaigh na hEireann’s unbroken peacekeeping service in the Unifil mission in Lebanon stretches back to 1978,” he said.
“Troops deployed to Unifil are no strangers to having to react to the ever changing environment brought about by the deep-rooted conflict that has wracked the country for decades.
“Participation in Unifil illustrates how small countries like Ireland can make a practical difference for the people of Lebanon, with whom the people of Ireland share a particular affinity.
“The decision by any Government to send troops overseas on UN peacekeeping operations is never taken lightly.
“The decision of Private Kedian to embark on this noble endeavour and to travel to Lebanon to contribute to this vital mission for a second time in April 1999, is a source of pride for us all.”