The United Nations Medal (Korea)

Overview

The United Nations Medal (Korea) was awarded for service during the Korean War (1 July 1950 to 27 July 1953) and for service in the first twelve months following the Armistice (up to 27 July 1954). It was also awarded to a limited range of civilians whose organisations were certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea between 1950 and 1954. The UN Medal (Korea) was manufactured in the language of each country that participated in the UN force in Korea.

The Sovereign has given approval for New Zealanders, who meet the eligibility criteria, to accept and wear the United Nations Medal (Korea).

The United Nations Medal (Korea) is referred to in some countries as the United Nations Service Medal (Korea).

Description

The medal is in bronze and circular in shape. The obverse depicts the 'World-in-a Wreath' emblem of the United Nations. The reverse bears the inscription: "FOR SERVICE IN DEFENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS". The inscription may be in English, French, Spanish, Danish, Greek, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Sanskrit or Turkish.

The ribbon has alternating narrow stripes of blue and white representing the colors of the United Nations.

A clasp ‘KOREA' was issued with this medal. This clasp predates the United Nation's later policy of denoting different missions with distinctive medal ribbons.

Eligibility

The United Nations Service Medal (Korea) is awarded to the following:

• Personnel posted for any period with the United Nations (UN) forces in Korea between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954.
• Personnel who served in adjacent areas such as Japan and Okinawa operating under UN command or sent to support UN operations in Korea in the relevant period from 1950 to 1954.
• Official visitors require 30 days, continuous or aggregate to qualify.