Pyongyang, October 24 (KCNA) -- The title of Labor Hero was awarded to Ri Song Jin, former farmer of the 5th workteam of the Songho Co-op Farm in Yonan County, South Hwanghae Province, who was a model farmer in the era of Songun.

He devotedly worked for the increased crop production true to his duty as befitting a patriotic farmer responsible for the nation's agriculture and saved valuable assets of the co-op farm by throwing himself into the torrents of the river when pasture was inundated by heavy rain and draught oxen were washed away.

He was awarded the title of Labor Hero of the DPRK and Gold Medal (hammer and sickle) and Order of National Flag (first class) according to a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly dated October 21.