Mayo man killed fighting in Lebanon to be officially honoured for bravery

A campaign for a Ballyhaunis soldier to be awarded for his bravery has reached a successful conclusion following confirmation that Private Billy Kedian will be posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with Honours.

Pte Kedian died while serving with the United Nations interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) during an attack by armed elements of Hezbollah on a compound in South Lebanon on May 31, 1999.

Showing total disregard for his own life, he alerted the other off-duty troops and ensured they made their way to their bunkers before being killed by an 81-millimetre mortar. He was 21 years old. 

His actions were never officially honoured by the Irish Defence Forces until Minister for Defence, Micháel Martin TD, announced that Pte Kedian would be posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with Honours. 

Pte Kedian’s sisters will receive the medal on his behalf at a ceremony that is due to take place shortly. 

Minister Martin said in his citation that Pte Kedian displayed ‘courage and bravery and leadership ‘despite great personal risk’.

“His selfless actions and devotion to duty placed him in danger and resulted in his death. His courage exemplifies the highest ideals of military service, and we are proud to honour him for his selflessness and commitment,” continued Minister Martin. 

In May, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his killing, a memorial to Pte Kedian was erected near his home outside Ballyhaunis.

Hundreds attended the official unveiling, which heard calls for Pte Kedian to be officially honoured for his bravery by the Defence Forces. 

Fundraising is currently underway to develop an air ambulance base in Ballyhaunis named in his honour.