SW veteran bestowed with S Korean peace medal

Ken Howlett thought his services with the Australian Royal Air Force in the Korean War had been forgotten.

The veteran served with the No. 77 Squadron as a mechanical fitter during the conflict in Japan and Korea, and assumed he was one of many Australians who would not be formally recognised.

As a result, Mr Howlett was surprised to be presented with the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal at the Bunbury Returned Services League branch last week.

Korean Veterans Association of WA president Junkil Lee and Republic of Korea honorary consul Fay Duda awarded Mr Howlett with the honour in a surprise ceremony on Friday.

The long-time Bunbury resident accepted the award in front of family and friends, admitting his shock to have been bestowed the award.

“This is quite a surprise for me because I thought we had been forgotten,” Mr Howlett said.

In a moving speech, Mr Howlett thanked his wife Carol and their children for their ongoing support, Murray Cook and the Korean dignitaries at the event.

Forrest MHR Nola Marino praised Mr Howlett for his service, while Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi congratulated the veteran.

“It's wonderful for Ken to have received this medal,” Mr Gelmi said