Kenneth Muir (VC)

For the English author, critic and professor, see Kenneth Muir (scholar).
Kenneth Muir
Born (1912-03-06)6 March 1912
Chester, Cheshire
Died 23 September 1950(1950-09-23) (aged 38)  †
Hill 282, near Songju, Korea
Buried at United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Major
Unit Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Battles/wars
Awards

Major Kenneth Muir VC (6 March 1912 – 23 September 1950) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Muir was 38 years old, and a major in the 1st battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's), British Army during the Korean War when the following deed took place during the Battle of Hill 282 for which he was awarded the VC.

On 23 September 1950 near Songju, Korea, there was difficulty in evacuating the wounded after a position had been captured, until Major Muir arrived with a stretcher party. When the enemy started to launch a series of attacks on the positions, the major took over command and after a direct hit from a fire bomb, causing further casualties, he led a counter-attack and the crest of the position was regained. He was determined to hold it until all the wounded had been evacuated and moved about his small force shouting encouragement and firing a 2-in. mortar himself until he was mortally wounded.[1]

Further information

Initially buried in the Taegu Military Cemetery, his remains were exhumed and transferred to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan, Korea, on 14 May 1951.[2] His name is also recorded on his father's headstone at St. Peter's Churchyard, Frimley, Surrey, England.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Stirling Castle, Scotland.

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 39115. pp. 133–134. 5 January 1951. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  2. ↑ "Major Muir K". UN Memorial Cemetery, Korea.

External links

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