AN IRISH SOLDIER killed as his UN peacekeeping post was shelled in south Lebanon is to be awarded posthumously the Distinguished Service Medal.

Private William Kedian died at UNP 6-42 during fighting between Lebanese and Israeli backed factions on 31 May, 1999.

Reports from eye witnesses said that the shelling happened at 5.04am – he ran to the various locations where his team were and got them to safety. 

Private Kedian (21) made sure 11 of his colleagues successfully got into the safety of bunkers. As he made sure his comrades were safe he was killed by shrapnel from an 81mm mortar round in a direct hit on the compound.

Two other soldiers, Private Ronnie Rush and Darren Clarke were also injured. Rush suffered serious injuries but survived the incident, while Clarke was less seriously injured. Both men were part of an Irish peacekeeping force and were stationed at Renmore Barracks in Galway.

The shelling was part of a broader incident of firing between the Israeli backed South Lebanon Army (SLA) and the militant group Hezbollah – an investigation found that the mortar was fired by the SLA. 

The probe discovered that the shell was fired from an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and SLA position at W144.  

In an RTE documentary, broadcast in 2016, Sergeant Michael Merrigan who was serving at the post described the death of his comrade.

“We took a direct hit in the camp, just before the bunker and outside the cookhouse, where Private Kedian was killed.

“He was probably the first person to react to Groundhog, and he was up, he ran through each and every room, ensuring that all members were on the way to the bunker.

“So by right he could have been in that bunker first but he chose to go around and check on most rooms to make sure that everyone’s out and going towards the bunker,” he said.

It is understood a medal board in the Irish Defence Forces examined the case and following this the Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy cleared the way for the award of the medal. 

This recommendation was then forwarded to the Minister for Defence, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who, it is believed has accepted the recommendation. The next event will be that he will write directly to the Kedian family.

The award follows a lengthy campaign by the Kedian family and his former comrades to have him honoured. 48 Irish soldiers have been killed on peacekeeping deployments to Lebanon as part of UNIFIL.

Mark Keane, President of PDFORRA, said that his organisation which represents non-commissioned ranks of the military, “warmly welcomed” the move to honour Private Kedian.

“We believe this recognition reflects not only his individual courage and bravery but also once again demonstrates the unwavering commitment our members have in serving this state and in the service of peace with the UN .

“This award underscores the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices and professionalism of our members, and we are proud and honoured to see Private Kedian been honoured in this way,” he said. 

Lieutenant Colonel Conor King, General Secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) also welcomed the news. 

“Just over 25 years since he gave his life to save his comrades, it is hugely welcome that Pte Billy Kedian will finally be posthumously honoured with a Distinguished Service Medal.

“We congratulate all who were involved in the campaign to ensure that his selflessness and heroism will be appropriately rewarded,” he said. 

The Department of Defence and the Irish Defence Forces have said they were unable to comment on the award as yet.