Irish soldier awarded Distinguished Service Medal posthumously

An Irish soldier has been awarded the distinguished service medal posthumously.

Private Billy Kedian from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo was killed in action in Lebanon in 1999, and has now made history as the first Army private to be awarded a DSM.

The 21-year-old had been on his second peacekeeping mission to Unifil.

The Defence Forces said in the early hours of May, hostile fire had broken out close to UNP 6-42, at which Private Kedian was stationed.

At 5am a mortar round impacted within the confines of UNP 6-42, fatally injuring the young soldier.

A Defence Forces’ Medals Board, which reviewed the case, concluded that Private Kedian’s selfless actions, were deserving of the posthumous award of the DSM With Honour.

The DSM With Honour has only been awarded on 31 previous occasions.

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris made the special presentation to Private Kedian’s sisters Ann and Mary during a ceremony at Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa in Galway on Saturday.

Mr Harris paid tribute…