Saw Ba Yi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Saw Ba Yi (Burmese: စောဘရီ [sɔ́ ba̰ jì]) is an ethnic Karen and the only civilian to have won the Aung San Thuriya Medal, the highest award for gallantry and bravery in Burma (Myanmar) in 1951.[1] Under normal circumstances, the medal is only awarded to members of the Myanmar Armed Forces.[2]
Saw Ba Yi | |
|---|---|
| Native name | စောဘရီ |
| Died | 1951 |
| Allegiance | Union of Burma |
| Rank | civilian |
| Awards | Aung San Thuriya |
Service to the country
Saw Ba Yi volunteered in saving a group of government officials sieged by KNDO rebels in Thandaung in 1951. Though his acts of valour and self-sacrifice preserved the lives of hostages, he was killed in action. He was honoured and awarded the medal posthumously by the President of Burma then.
