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Roy Today
By the People, for the People
South Korean Medal Made from DMZ Barbed Wire Honors Utah Veterans
The Ambassador for Peace Medal recognizes U.N. peacekeepers who fought against North Korea
Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:39am
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The Ambassador for Peace Medal, forged from barbed wire near the DMZ, stands as a poignant tribute to the Utah veterans who fought to preserve South Korea's freedom.Roy TodayUtah veterans who served as U.N. peacekeeping forces against communist North Korean troops from 1950 to 1953 are eligible for a commemorative medal made from melted-down barbed wire cut from fencing at the 38th parallel in South Korea. The South Korean government created the Ambassador for Peace Medal to honor veterans from the U.S. and other countries who helped preserve South Korea's freedom.
Why it matters
The medal's creation from historic barbed wire near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) gives it profound significance, connecting Utah veterans to the pivotal role they played in the Korean War. By recognizing their service, South Korea demonstrates its lasting gratitude for the sacrifices made to protect its democracy.
The details
The Ambassador for Peace Medal was initially awarded to veterans in 1975 as part of South Korea's 'Revisit Program' to bring back Korean War veterans and show the country's development since the armistice. Later, the medal became more inclusive, allowing veterans unable to visit Korea to receive it at home. In Utah, decorated Marine Corps veteran John C. Cole presented the medal to eligible veterans for many years before his passing.
- The Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.
- The Ambassador for Peace Medal was first awarded in 1975.
- A Utah pinning ceremony took place in May 2023.
The players
John C. Cole
A decorated Marine Corps sergeant who was badly wounded at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in 1950, and later presented the Ambassador for Peace Medal to eligible Utah veterans.
Larry Kerr
The chairman of the Utah Cold War Veterans Foundation, who shared details about a 2023 ceremony where two Utah veterans received the Ambassador for Peace Medal.
Richard A. Sorensen
A Korean War veteran who received the Ambassador for Peace Medal at the 2023 Utah ceremony.
Robert Joseph Smith
A Korean War veteran who received the Ambassador for Peace Medal at the 2023 Utah ceremony.
What’s next
Eligible Utah veterans or their next of kin who have not received an Ambassador for Peace Medal can apply for the award by completing an application at https://kwva.us/page=info_peace_medal.
The takeaway
The Ambassador for Peace Medal, forged from barbed wire near the DMZ, serves as a powerful symbol of South Korea's enduring appreciation for the Utah veterans who fought to preserve its freedom during the Korean War. This recognition helps cement the lasting bond between the two nations and the sacrifices made to protect democracy.
