Two former Irish soldiers who survived the Niemba ambush in the Congo in 1960, in which eight of their comrades were killed, are to be given public recognition at a Government-organised ceremony.
Although they will not be awarded medals, Joe Fitzpatrick and Tom Kenny will be invited to a special event recognising their actions.
Following a review of the accuracy of the Army's version of the massacre by Colonel Tom Behan it was decided it would not be appropriate for medals to be awarded.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea praised the pair for their efforts when their platoon was ambushed by Baluba tribesmen.
"I wholeheartedly recognise and acknowledge that both Private Kenny (particularly in view of the serious wounds and injuries he sustained), and Private Fitzpatrick survived an horrific encounter with hostile forces, displaying courage, fortitude and tenacity in order to survive until finally rescued," the minister said.
"I commend them both for the selfless service they have given their country and hope that this report will bring some peace of mind to them both."
The 46th anniversary of the attack, the single worst atrocity ever suffered by Irish peacekeeping forces, passed last week with fresh calls for the men to be honoured.
It was the first UN-mandated service abroad for Irish troops and up until now many doubts remained over what happened.
And the two survivors have fought for the last four decades to have their roles properly recognised.
Pte Kenny continually insisted he did not want a medal, only to be given a public acknowledgement of his service by the Minister.
On July 28th 1960 Lt-Col Murt Buckley led the men of the 32nd Irish Battalion out to the Congo on a peacekeeping mission.
In all, 26 men died in the attack. The ambush, by Baluba tribesmen, took place at Niemba as Irish soldiers tried to repair a bridge over the Luweyeye River.
Questions always remained about the events of the day and over how Trooper Anthony Browne, died, and what role he played in saving the life of Pte Kenny.
The report by Col Behan, which took nearly 17 months to complete, found Trooper Browne fired his weapon to distract the attackers from beating Pte Kenny to death.
He also found Trooper Browne escaped his pursuers, wounded or otherwise, making his way to the village of Tundula only to be killed by Baluba tribesmen two days later.
Mr O'Dea said the previous supposition that he died at the ambush site and that Baluba tribesmen carried away his remains cannot be substantiated. But, he said, neither can it be definitively concluded he died at Tundula.
Trooper Browne was awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry for his bravery.
Mr O'Dea said there was no absolute certainty of the events. But he said it was likely Trooper Browne did not die at the scene of the ambush.
The minister described Niemba as a sensitive and harrowing episode in Irish military history. And he said he wanted to publicly acknowledge the sacrifice made by all the members of the patrol and extend deepest sympathies to the families of all those who died.
"I would like to take this opportunity to underline the courage, fortitude and tenacity displayed by Privates Kenny and Fitzpatrick in order to survive," he said.
Remembrance ceremonies were held last weekend for the men who died in the Congo at Cathal Brugha Barracks with wreaths laid in their memory.
A time and date for the public honouring of the men is yet to be decided.
PA