St. Lawrence County Korean War Veterans Eligible for South Korean Medal

The Ambassador for Peace medal honors American service members who fought in the Korean War.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Korean War veterans from St. Lawrence County, New York may be eligible to receive the Ambassador for Peace medal from the South Korean government. The medal is being awarded to American service members who fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, as well as those who participated in UN peacekeeping operations until 1955. Veterans or their next of kin can apply to receive the commemorative medal, which is a gesture of gratitude from South Korea.

Why it matters

The Ambassador for Peace medal is a way for South Korea to honor the American veterans who fought to defend their country during the Korean War. Many St. Lawrence County residents served during the conflict, and this program provides an opportunity to recognize their service and sacrifice.

The details

To be eligible for the medal, veterans must have served during the Korean War from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953, or participated in UN peacekeeping operations until the end of 1955. The medals may be awarded posthumously, with priority given to currently surviving veterans in the United States. The next of kin, such as a spouse or descendants, can apply for the medal on behalf of a deceased veteran.

  • The Korean War took place from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.
  • UN peacekeeping operations in Korea continued until the end of 1955.

The players

Tom Mullins

A Veterans advocate with the Rev. Francis A. Kelley Society who wants to raise awareness about the medal program to help honor surviving Korean War veterans and their families.

Ronald Ayotte

A U.S. Army veteran from Tupper Lake, New York who left high school in 1944 to enlist and was Killed in Action in the Korean War on July 31, 1950. He was posthumously awarded the Ambassador for Peace medal and will receive his high school diploma.

Richard Ayotte

A U.S. Army veteran from Tupper Lake, New York who left high school in 1946 to enlist and served in the Korean War from 1952-1953. He was also posthumously awarded the Ambassador for Peace medal and will receive his high school diploma.

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What they’re saying

“Hundreds of St. Lawrence County residents served during the Korean conflict, including about 150 from Ogdensburg alone.”

— Tom Mullins, Veterans advocate (northcountrynow.com)

“Veterans who have received the medal have reportedly demonstrated a strong emotional response to the gesture of gratitude.”

— Tom Mullins, Veterans advocate (northcountrynow.com)

What’s next

Those interested in applying for the Ambassador for Peace medal or the Operation Recognition program to receive a high school diploma can reach out to Tom Mullins at 1-585-272-1749.

The takeaway

This medal program is an important way for South Korea to honor the American veterans who fought to defend their country during the Korean War. For St. Lawrence County residents who served, receiving this medal can be a meaningful recognition of their sacrifice and service.