AN INVERKEITHING war veteran has launched a Remembrance Day appeal to West Fifers to help find his lost Korean War medal.

Korean War vet William 'Bill' Duff, 83, “misplaced” the medal “about six months ago” after taking it to Inverkeithing Parish Church for the minister and congregation to have a look.

Bill believes he might have either left it inside the church or lost it while on the way back to his car, which was parked behind the Queens Hotel at the time.

The medal, presented by the South Korean government, recognises the service and sacrifices from Bill and his colleagues in “restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy”.

Retired fireman Bill, who was a lance-corporal in the Black Watch, served in Korea in 1952-53.

This week, he told the Press: “I took it up to the church about six months ago so they could all have a look at it. I think I had it in a plastic bag.

“After that, I can't recall if I left it inside the church or misplaced it on the way to my car which was up the back of the Queens Hotel – but the end result was that it went missing.

“I've asked the householders across from the car park if anybody had heard or seen anything, or if it had been picked up, but nothing.

“I'm hoping somebody has picked it up and will hand it in. I'm just worried somebody will pick it up and think, 'Oh, I'll flog that on eBay' – you can't wear it unless you're thinking of using it as a gee-gaw.”

Bill contacted the Korean Veterans' Association and got a spare medal, which he wore for the Inverkeithing Remembrance Sunday parade at the weekend.

He has also received the United Nations Korea Medal and the Queen's Korea Medal and is keen to get his lost decoration back.

He said: “It boils down to the fact that the South Korean government are grateful that we went over there and it's a token of appreciation from them for what we put up with.

“I left a good few buddies back in Pusan cemetery and wear the medal to honour them as well.”

Have you found Bill's medal? Contact the Press by emailing mlee@dunfermlinepress.co.uk or calling 01383 747515.