Battle for the honour in court
Sergeant Aiden McGuinness, Silver
Sergeant Francis Smith, Silver
Detective Garda Eugene O’Sullivan,Silver
Detective Superintendent William
Sergeant Desmond O’Rourke (Posthumously), Bronze
Garda Denis Breen (Posthumously), Bronze
CAMPAIGNERS seeking to honour Irish soldiers who fought at Jadotville have brought a High Court challenge over fears that just one military medal will be awarded to the troops involved in the battle.
The action has been brought by retired members of the defence forces Senator Gerard Craughwell and Leo Quinlan, son of the late Pat Quinlan, the officer who commanded the Irish troops, on a peacekeeping Mission with the UN in September 1961.
Represented in court by Vincent Heneghan SC, appearing with John Berry Bl and Joseph Mulrean Bl, the applicants want all those who showed exceptional bravery at Jadotville, properly and officially honoured.
Shunned
The court heard that despite their exploits the troops were very badly treated, shunned and almost airbrushed out of Irish military history because they surrendered.
The veterans have subsequently received a full apology from the State over their treatment.
Counsel said an independent review group was set up by the Defence Forces Chief of Staff last year to consider if military medals should be awarded to Jadotville veterans.
It recommended that a medal process be initiated without delay for the consideration of the Distinguished Service Medal for the late Comdt Quinlan.
His son Leo Quinlan, who is a retired Commandant in the defence forces, and Senator Craughwell, who is also a retired soldier, have been informed that only one medal should be awarded arising out of the battle.