Former Marine Commando awarded Korean Ambassador of Peace medal

Resident and former Royal Marine Commando was left speechless and brimming with pride after receiving the Republic of Korea Ambassador For Peace Medal

Our resident Captain Ronald ‘Ron’ Moyse, 94, was presented with the medal by Major General Royal Marines, Andrew Keeling CB, CBE, in front of his family, our staff, other former veterans and members of the Royal Marines Association.

The esteemed award is given by the Republic of Korea to proclaim that Ron is recognised as an “Ambassador For Peace”.

The proclamation that accompanies the medal and which was read out by Major General Keeling states: “It is a 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 re-establish our free nation. In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an “Ambassador for Peace”  with every good wish of the people of the Republic of Korea.

“Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.”

Ron joined the Royal Marines in 1943 aged just 14 years and nine months, beginning his military career as a junior drummer and bugler.

He served in 41 Commando, a unit attached to the US Marine Corps during the Korean War.

The combined force saw intense action during the Chosin Reservoir campaign, fighting off Chinese forces that outnumbered them four-to-one. Almost half of Ron’s unit were killed, wounded or captured.

Ron was most pleased to have held the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major and among his later roles away from military action was that of physical training instructor.

When he joined, Ron continued a family connection with the Royal Marines going back several generations to 1842. 

His son Rob is also a former Royal Marine with 25 years’ service and his other son Graham is a Royal Navy doctor who also served with the Marines.

In recent years, the South Korean government produced framed certificates of thanks for all surviving members of the war, including Ron.

Vicky Day, our Companion said: “Ron is a lovely, unassuming man of very few words. But it was easy to see he was overwhelmed to receive the medal. He gave a wonderful smile when it was handed to him and afterwards he kept turning it over in his hands and reading the inscription.

“I asked him how he felt to receive it and he said: “I can’t believe it.”

“He has told many of us how honoured he feels to have served and his medal is now taking pride of place in his room.”