The Korean War Service Medal
Overview
Instituted in 1950 by the Republic of Korea, the Korean War Service Medal was offered to all personnel who served in the Korean War, however, the regulations of the day did not permit the acceptance or wearing of this medal by British Commonwealth military personnel.
In 2001, the Korean Government again offered the Korean War Service Medal to British Commonwealth forces in recognition of the significant contribution and bravery of the veterans who had fought in the war. The Sovereign subsequently approved the acceptance and unrestricted wearing of the award by eligible New Zealanders.
Description
The Korean War Service Medal is bronze in colour and circular in shape. The obverse features an image of the Korean peninsula on a circular grid above crossed artillery shells, framed by laurel branches. The reverse bears raised Korean lettering.
The ribbon has a broad central yellow stripe flanked by narrow red stripes set in white and edged with stripes of blue.
No clasps or bars were issued for this medal.
Eligibility
Personnel who served in Korea, its territorial waters, or its airspace during the period of 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953.
For further information:
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Korean War Service Medal is approved for wear by eligible individuals. It is worn with foreign awards in the New Zealand Order of Wear. Foreign campaign medals are worn in order of date of participation in the campaign, operation, or peacekeeping mission for which the medal was awarded.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Applying for this medal
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) issues war, operational and service medals to current and former NZDF members.
If you or someone you know may be eligible, you can apply through our application page.
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Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.