Belleville Native Earns Korean Defense Service Medal

Command Master Chief Joseph Ward honored for active duty supporting South Korea's defense as part of U.S. Naval Forces Korea mission.

Alex Plexico

Nov 28, 2025 8:15 AM

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MILLINGTON, Tenn. – U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Joseph Ward, of Belleville, Illinois, recently earned the Korean Defense Service Medal for serving on active duty in support of the defense of South Korea while assigned to Commander, Naval Forces Korea (CNFK).

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Ward graduated from Belleville Township High School East in 1996 and has served in the Navy for 29 years.

“Any award a senior leader gets is based on the success of the team,” Ward said. “The team here at U.S. Naval Forces Korea gives the Republic of Korea U.S. Alliance the decisive edge to deter our near-peer competitors moving from a period of competition to a period of crisis.”

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The mission of Commander, Naval Forces Korea is to provide leadership and expertise in naval matters to the Republic of Korea by improving institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies, strengthening the collective security efforts in Korea and the region.

Ward can join other sailors serving around the world commemorating a major milestone as the U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

As Ward and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy and protecting the American way of life.

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