Lt. Col. A G Rangaraj declared Korean War Hero for the month of July 2020
His photos will be displayed in the War Memorial of Korea (South) and other places in the country for the whole month of July next year.
NEW DELHI: Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has named Lt. Col A. G. Rangaraj, the commanding officer of 60 Para Field Ambulance of the Indian Army as the Korean War Hero for the month of July 2020.
This first Indian Army Paratrooper Commando had led 60th Parachute Field Ambulance Platoon, a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) to South-North Korea war that had erupted in 1950 to end on 1953. Later he was also decorated with Maha Vir Chakra.
“During the month of July 2020, the photo of Lt. Col A. G. Rangaraj will be put in the War Memorial and other public places in Korea. This gesture is a token of appreciation from the heart of Korean people for the sacrifices made by the participating nations,” said Col. Lee In, the Defense Attaché, Embassy of Republic of Korea in New Delhi during the luncheon (titled as Kar Salam) hosted by the Embassy for the family members of the Indian Army veterans who had participated in the Korean War.
South Korea is currently commemorating the 69th anniversary of the Korean War in which UN forces with nations including India had supported South Korea while others led by the then Soviet Union and China backed North Korea.
Korean War Veterans and their family members, Indian armed forces officers, defense attaches and diplomats of allied nations who participated in the Korean ware also present on this occasion.
“November 20 marks the 69th anniversary of 60 Para Field Ambulance of Indian Army’s arrival to Bussan in Korea in 1950. The event was to pay tribute to the sacrifice of the soldiers who participated in the Korean war. We as a nation will never forget your sacrifices and dedication. Korea also pays gratitude to all 21 nations who participated in the war to protect the freedom and democracy of the Republic of Korea,” added Col. Lee.
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The 21 countries that supported South Korea are USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Turkey, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Colombia, Belgium, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, India, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Lee Myung-Bak, the former South Korean president, had said in the year 2010, “Korea was fortunate to have India, the source of an ancient and noble civilization, as a friend during the war. The medical unit headed by Col A. G. Rangaraj valiantly rushed to the aid of wounded soldiers in the face of a fierce crossfire. For its distinguished service, the unit received citations of merit from the Korean government on a number of occasions. Had it not been for the devoted services and sacrifices of the Indian people, Korea would not have become what it is today.”
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The Indian medical unit of 364 men had gained the respect of Commonwealth troops for its high-quality medical care and the courage of its soldiers under fire, and it was awarded official commendations from the ROK government several times. On December 14, 1950, it formally became a medical evacuation unit for the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade. It supported this unit throughout the war.
He had fought against the Japanese in 1944 and also been a part of a battle in Burma during World War 2.
During the Kar Salam Luncheon hosted by the Embassy Republic of Korea, New Delhi others present on the occasion were Jongho Choi, Minister, ROK; Lt. Col. Kim Hyunsoon, Army Attache, ROK; and Indian Army officers and Korean War Veteran Lt. Col Angad Singh and president of Korean War Veterans Association.
This is great. We all were not aware of such brave men in Indian army. Certainly there are many more. Hope they are also mentioned in news.