South Korea honours Fort Erie Korean War veteran Romeo Daley

Romeo Daley, 93, a longtime Fort Erie resident and Korean War veteran, has received a rare honour from the Republic of South Korea delivered directly to his front doorstep.

The commemorative certificate of appreciation from the government of South Korea is awarded to foreign servicemen and women who served in the Korean War.

The plaque was presented after South Korean officials first invited Daley to travel to Korea for a formal ceremony, according to Captain Harry Sully, commanding officer of 337 Squadron and a local cadet leader. Due to Daley’s age and difficulty with travel, a delegation instead came to Fort Erie to make the presentation.

Daley enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1950 after being turned away from the Royal Canadian Air Force because of colour blindness. He was attached to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and completed two rotations in Korea during active combat.

Throughout his life in Fort Erie, Daley has remained active in veteran and community groups. He is a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 and the 484 Frontier Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association. His past honours include the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteerism and a Ministerial Commendation for service to veterans.

Elizabeth Daley, a family member, said the delegation included at least one representative who travelled from South Korea specifically to present the plaque. The presentation was originally planned for Niagara Falls city hall before being moved to Daley’s residence.

Daley has spoken openly in the past about the cost of the war and the long delay in recognition for Korean War veterans.

“I don’t care if you’re religious or not, but I’ve been to hell and back, and I’m happy to be here,” Daley told Fort Erie Radio during an interview at the Legion in September.

He has also described frustration over how the conflict was treated after the war ended. Daley said it took decades for Korean War veterans to receive full recognition and medals for their service, despite the intensity of the fighting and the losses suffered.

“They thought Korea was not a war; it was a police action. Well, if it was a police action, why didn’t they send the cops over?” asked Daley.

According to Veterans Affairs Canada, more than 26,000 Canadians served in the Korean War, with more than 516 killed. Many survivors, including Daley, returned home with little public acknowledgement at the time.

The South Korean plaque now joins other medals and commendations at Daley’s Fort Erie home, serving as a personal reminder of his service and a visible sign that his role in the war has not been forgotten.

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