By Kim Yeojin and Yoon Sojung

Two Korean veterans of the Korean War who fought with French troops have received France's highest military honor.

The Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on March 11 said French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Lefort awarded the Medaille Militaire (Military Medal) to Park Dongha, 93, who was a reserve army staff sergeant, and Park Munjoon, 90, a reserve army specialist.

The ceremony was held at the ambassador's official residence in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

Equivalent to Korea's Ulchi Order of Military Merit, the medal is France's top military honor and given to soldiers and commanders.

The two veterans fought with a French battalion against Chinese forces in the Battle of Jipyeong-ri on March 31, 1951, and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge on Sept. 3 that same year.

Park Dongha also received two bronze stars from the French government in recognition of his service.

As registered Korean War veterans, both men have attended annual events for French war veterans in serving as living proof of the blood ties between Korea and France.

France sent 3,421 soldiers to fight in the Korean War, with 262 killed, 1,008 wounded and seven missing in action.

Minister of Patriot and Veterans Affairs Hwang Ki-Chul said at the awards ceremony, "I would like to thank both war veterans for their sacrifice and devotion, and also the French government for remembering Korean soldiers and giving them military medals."

lvzhen@korea.kr