The Korea Medal
Overview
Instituted in 1951 to recognise service in the Korean War, the Korea Medal was awarded to British Commonwealth forces who served in Korea between 2 July 1950 and 27 July 1953.
Description
The Korea Medal is circular and made of cupro-nickel. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, surrounded by an inscription, symbolising her roles as both fount of honour and Commander-in-Chief of her various forces. On the reverse is an image of Hercules wrestling the Hydra. The word 'Korea' is inscribed below the image.
The ribbon is yellow with two blue stripes.
No clasps or bars were issued for this medal.
Eligibility
Members of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces who served in the theatre of the Korean Peninsula between 2 July 1950 and 27 July 1953 in the following capacities:
- 1 day of service on land in Korea in the Army, Air, or Navy forces;
- 1 operational sortie over Korea or Korean Waters with the Air forces;
- 28 days of service afloat on ships or crafts engaged in operations off the Korean coast Navy forces.
For full details:
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Korea Medal is worn as a campaign medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is worn after The New Zealand Service Medal 1946-1949 and before the United Nations Medal for Korea.
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.