Saw Ba Yi ( my, စောဘရီ ) is an ethnic Karen and the only civilian to have won the

Aung San Thuriya This article considers the religious, military and civil orders, decorations and medals of Union of Myanmar. Religious honorary orders Before and after Myanmar's independence, governments presented two religious orders, Abhidhaja Maha Rathta ...

Medal, the highest award for gallantry and bravery in Burma (Myanmar) in 1951. Under normal circumstances, the medal is only awarded to members of the Myanmar Armed Forces.

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 The president of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar () is the head of state and constitutional head of government of Myanmar. The president leads the Cabinet of Myanmar, the executive branch of the Burmese government. The current presiden ...

then.

Commemorations

* Aung San Thuriya Saw Ba Yi Street in downtown Yangon is named in his honour.

References

Burmese people of Karen descent 1951 deaths {{Myanmar-bio-stub