Press release
Tánaiste honours young Irish soldier killed in battle in Lebanon
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Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, today (8 March 2025) presented the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) with Honour to the family of the late Private Billy Kedian, who was tragically killed in action in Lebanon in the early hours of 31 May 1999.
It’s the first time in the history of the State that an Army Private has been awarded a Distinguished Service Medal (DSM).
Today’s presentation of the DSM took place at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Galway, where Private Kedian, a native of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, served for many years with distinction.
At today’s ceremony, the Tánaiste presented Private Kedian’s sisters Ann and Mary with the Distinguished Service Medal in Private Kedian’s honour.
Speaking at the medal presentation, the Tánaiste paid tribute to the late Private Kedian, of whom he said “duty, professionalism and a willingness to accept responsibility were the hallmarks of his service”.
He went on to describe the presentation of An Bonn Seirbhíse Dearscna to Private Kedian’s family as only fitting to the service he gave to Óglaigh na Éireann and the Irish State.
The Tánaiste said:
“Were it not for the courage, bravery and the highest level of selfless devotion to duty, Private Kedian would likely have been the first of his Company to reach the protection of the bunker in the early hours of 31 May 1999.
“Instead, Private Kedian put himself in harm’s way for the protection of others.
“He did this without hesitation, ensuring the safety of his comrades, while sacrificing his own safety, embodying the highest values of our Defence Forces.”
The Tánaiste added that “through the award of this Distinguished Service Medal, this young soldier will never be forgotten. He, too, will always retain the gratitude of the Irish Government, the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and above all, the Irish People.”
In concluding, the Tánaiste spoke about the important role that our peacekeepers play across the world, as typified by the service given by Private Kedian.
“Óglaigh na hÉireann’s unbroken peacekeeping service in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon stretches back to 1978. Troops deployed to UNIFIL are no strangers to having to react to the ever changing environment brought about by the deep-rooted conflict that has wracked the country for decades. Participation in UNIFIL illustrates how small countries like Ireland can make a practical difference for the people of Lebanon, with whom the people of Ireland share a particular affinity.
“The decision by any government to send troops overseas on UN peacekeeping operations is never taken lightly. The decision of Private Kedian to embark on this noble endeavour and to travel to Lebanon to contribute to this vital mission for a second time in April 1999, is a source of pride for us all.”
Private Kedian enlisted in the Defence Forces on 30 December 1996 and, at the age of 21, he embarked on his second peacekeeping mission to UNIFIL in April 1999.
In the early hours of 31 May 1999, hostile fire broke out close to UNP 6-42, at which Private Kedian was stationed. At 0500, a mortar round impacted within the confines of UNP6-42, fatally injuring Private Kedian.
A Defence Forces’ Medals Board, which reviewed the case, concluded that Private Kedian’s selfless actions, were deserving of the posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Medal, with honour.
The citation reads as follows:
“856310 Pte William ‘Billy’ Kedian
For distinguished service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), for displaying courage, bravery and leadership. On 31 May 1999, Pte Kedian, despite great personal risk and while his Post was under fire, alerted fellow Peacekeepers to the dangerous situation and directed them to a place of safety. His selfless actions and devotion to duty placed him in danger and resulted in his death.
Is awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, with honour.”
The DSM is awarded to individuals whose actions display bravery, courage, leadership, resource, or devotion to duty, and can be awarded with Honour, with Distinction, or with Merit. The DSM With Honour has only been awarded on 31 previous occasions.