Albany Korean War veteran Ivan Tilney recognised for service in medal presentation

A campaign to properly recognise Ivan Tilney’s wartime efforts in Korea culminated with the presentation of an Ambassador of Peace medal to the Albany RSL member last week.

Mr Tilney spent just over a year serving near the demilitarised zone in Korea from August 1954 to September 1955 as a member of the Royal Engineers in the British Army.

Such is the 89-year-old’s unassuming nature, his service in Korea was only recently brought to the attention of his mates at the RSL.

Once they found out, the wheels were set in motion to secure him his medal.

Legacy director Peter Heeney travelled to Albany to present the medal on behalf of the the Korean consulate of WA.

RSL Albany president Rex Hendriks read the citation before putting the medal around Mr Tilney’s neck.

The Korean War Ambassador for Peace Medal is an expression of appreciation from the Korean Government to those who served in the United Nations’ multinational force in the conflict.

The citation proclaims “great honour and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.”

“We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation,” it states.