Of war and peace

Ron Guthrie with his medallion and certificate. Photo by LAC Steve Duncan

AN Air Force veteran who spent two years as a Prisoner of War during the Korean War has been awarded a commemorative medallion and certificate as an Ambassador for Peace.
Air Commodore John Quaife, Commander Air Combat Group, presented the award to Ron Guthrie on behalf of the Korean Veterans’ Association at RAAF Base Williamtown on October 14.

Fittingly the presentation was held in the crew room at No 77 Squadron – the same squadron that Mr Guthrie joined in Japan in 1951 and flew Meteor operations with from Kimpo in Korea.

The former Squadron Leader flew 15 missions before being shot down over MiG Alley on the Chinese border.

Forced to eject at 38,000 feet, he landed in a rice-paddy and was captured by the North Korean Army. During two years as a POW he escaped and was recaptured before he was finally released in September 1953, two months after an armistice was signed.

Mr Guthrie was cast back to his days as a POW when he saw a double-breasted-style flying suit on display in the 77SQN crew room at Williamtown. “The North Koreans didn’t think much of it, but [my suit] lasted the whole two years in captivity,” he said.

He was selected to participate in an official Government mission to Seoul to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean War in April 2001 but was unfortunately unable to attend.

The commemorations included the dedication of a memorial to the decisive Battle of Yeongcheon. 77SQN lost two pilots – Flying Officer Harrop and Wing Commander Spence – during the battle which allowed General MacArthur to land forces at Incheon Bay.

Mr Guthrie’s medallion and certificate were forwarded to Australia but his fellow Air Force veterans believed it would be appropriate to have them presented at his old squadron.

The official proclamation, signed by Korean Air Force Veterans’ Association chairman General Lee Sang-Hoon states: “It is a great honour and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.

“We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us re-establish our free nation.

“In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is my privilege to proclaim you an Ambassador for Peace with every good wish of the people of the Republic of Korea. Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.”

Mr Guthrie’s experiences as a POW will feature in his book, Escape From North Korea, which will be released next month.

• By FLTLT Christine Bradley

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