TANAISTE Simon Harris has honoured a young Irish soldier after he was tragically killed in battle in Lebanon.
The Minister for Defence presented the honour to the family of Private Billy Kedian, who was killed on a peacekeeping mission on May 31, 1999.
The honour marks the first time ever that an Army Private has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Harris presented Private Kedian’s sisters Ann and Mary with the medal in a ceremony in Galway.
He paid tribute to the late soldier, whose “duty, professionalism and a willingness to accept responsibility were the hallmarks of his service”.
The Tanaiste said: “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.
“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.”
The Tanaiste added that “through the award of this Distinguished Service Medal, this 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.”
Private Kedian first enlisted in the Defence Forces on December 30, 1996.
He was 21-years-old when he headed off on his second peacekeeping mission to UNIFIL in April 1999.
In the early hours of May 31, 1999, a hostile fire broke out close to where Private Kedian was stationed.
At 5am that morning, a mortar round impacted within the confines of the station, fatally injuring the soldier.
The Tanaiste also spoke about the role Irish peacekeepers play today, shown by the service provided by Private Kedian.
He said: “Oglaigh na hEireann’s unbroken peacekeeping service in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon stretches back to 1978. 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.”
Private Billy Kedian, who was killed on a peacekeeping mission on May 31, 1999[/caption]
