The Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of South Africa

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in South Africa held a ceremony to award the Hwarang Order of Military Merit to a Korean War veteran Ivan Holshausen, residing in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, on October 10, 2025.

Mr. Holshausen participated in the Korean War as a second lieutenant and a fighter pilot belonging to the 2nd Squadron (Flying Cheetahs) of the South African Air Force from December 6, 1952 to October 18, 1953.

He flew a total of 75 sorties between December, 1952 and October, 1953. While performing ground combat missions other than 65, he performed a mission to block supply routes in the enemy's rear and bomb major facilities.

The ceremony, hosted by H.E. Ambassador Dong-han Yang, was attended by Major General Mathebula, acting Chief of the South African Air Force, Colonel (Ret.) Louw, President of the Korean War Veterans Association, and Commander Chulwoo Park, Defense Attaché.