Kenneth Muir (British Army officer)

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

For the English author, critic and professor, see Kenneth Muir (scholar).

Kenneth Muir
Born(1912-03-06)6 March 1912
Chester, Cheshire, England
Died23 September 1950(1950-09-23) (aged 38)
Hill 282, near Songju, Korea
Buried
United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchBritish Army
Years of service1932–1950
RankMajor
UnitArgyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Battles/warsNorth-West Frontier
Second World War
Korean War
AwardsVictoria Cross
Mentioned in Despatches
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)

Victoria Cross

Muir was 38 years old, and a major in the 1st battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's) 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]

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

Burial

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.

Honours

Muir was awarded the following medals during his service.[3]

RibbonDescriptionNotes
Victoria Cross (VC)
  • 1950
India General Service Medal (1909)
  • With clasp
India General Service Medal (1936)
  • With clasp
1939-45 Star
    Africa Star
      Italy Star
        France and Germany Star
          Defence Medal
            War Medal 1939–1945
            • With MID Emblem
            Korea Medal
              United Nations Korea Medal
                Distinguished Service Cross
                • US Award

                References
                1. "No. 39115". The London Gazette (Supplement). 5 January 1951. pp. 133–134.
                2. "Major Muir K". UN Memorial Cemetery, Korea.
                3. "Kenneth Muir VC". VC Online. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
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