An Indian military officer, who has for the time being forgotten, in the history of Indian Army, has found his place in the land of South Korea warwith the country deciding to honour the officer who had played a significant role in the 1950-53 Korean war.
A Maha Vir Chakra recipient and India’s first paratrooper, Lt. Col. A G Rangaraj will be honoured in South Korea in 2020 as part of the 70trh anniversary celebrations of the Korean War. The Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans has taken the decision to honour this brave soldier.
A medical officer, Rangaraj commanded the 60 Para field Ambulance, which was the medical unit. During the war, he and his team treated an estimated 2.2 lakh patients. Defence Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi Colonel Lee has been quoted in the media as saying that Lt. Col, Rangaraj’s picture would be put up in the war memorial and also at prominent places in the South Korea.
He also said that the honour was an appreciation bestowed on the great warrior for his dedicated service in t6he Korean War. India was among the twenty one member countries of the United Nations that had participated in the Korean War. Though India was involved n the war, it was not in military terms but only provided medical service.
Lt. Col Rangaraj was an alumnus of the Madras Medical College. He joined the military service in 1941. The great warrior died on March 25, 2009.
Rangaraj was also conferred with the “War hero Honour”. Chief of General Staff Lee Jongcham conferred the honour on the Indian Army. He also got the Chungmu Distinguished Military Service Award, which is the third highest award of the Korean Military for distinguished service.
