CPL Billy B. Murphey, Sr. USMC, Ret. was awarded the Commemorative Korean Service Medal during the VFW post 3278 observation of the Korean Armistice July 13th, 2011.

On June 24, 1948 the Soviet Union made it plain that it intended to disrupt American foreign policy by invoking the Berlin Blockage. That date began the Cold War. On June 25, 1950 the Soviet’s unleashed their surrogate forces, the North Korean Communists, in an unprovoked attack on South Korea. Three years later the first of the containments wars was over.

This commemorative medal honors those who served during the Korean War. The Commemorative Korea Service Medal (KSM) is authorized to members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas. Service members must have been assigned, attached or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility.

CPL Murphey has met these requirements and received the Commemorative Korean Service Medal Wednesday evening. His other awards include the Korean Service Medal, Purple Heart Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.

Pictured above, CPL Billy B. Murphey, Sr. USMC, Ret. being awarded the medal, which was presented by Keith King Commander VFW Post 3278. At his side is GSGT Billy B. Murphey, Jr. USMC, Ret.  James Masters LTC, Retired US Army read the award.