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Korean War Medals issued by
United Nations
UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL FOR KOREA
The
general Assembly of the United Nations had called upon its member nations to
provide troops for the purpose of repelling the North Korean invasion of the
Republic of Korea. Detachments of the armed forces of several nations were
serving, in response to this call, in combat in Korea. So on 12 December 1950,
on the proposal of the Philippine Delegation, in accordance with United Nations
General Assembly Resolution 483(V), the United Nations Korea Medal was
authorised.
Three
styles of United Nations Service medals were issued for Korea, these were-
UNITED NATIONS MEDAL
for service in Korea - Standard issue.
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Obverse: |
Circular with the emblem of the United Nations, a 22mm diameter raised polar
projection map of the world, encircled by two olive branches - the
traditional symbol of peace. |
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Reverse: |
Perfectly plain except for the inscription" FOR SERVICE IN DEFENCE
OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS " in one of ten
languages dependent on the coinage of the medal.1
(See Below) |
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Coinage: |
The medal was struck in 10 languages as requested by the participating
member nations. |
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|
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AMHARIC |
-
For issue to the Ethiopian troops, with the inscription on the rear (on four
lines) and the bar " " (Korea in Amharic.) 5,650 issued. |
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DUTCH |
-
For issue to the troops of the Netherlands,with the inscription on the rear
(on six lines) and the bar "KOREE", (Korea in Dutch.) 5,795 issued. |
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ENGLISH |
-
This version was issued to troops of Australia, Canada, Denmark, New
Zealand, Norway, Philippines South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom and the
United States. The inscription on the rear (on 5 lines) and the bar "KOREA".
2,761,732 issued. |
|
FRENCH |
-
This was awarded to personnel of Belgium, Canada (French-Canadians), France
and Luxembourg with the inscription on the rear (on four lines) and the bar
"COREE", (Korea in French.) 16,851 issued. |
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GREEK |
-
For issue to Greek troops with the inscription on the rear (on six lines)
and the bar "KOPEA", (Korea in Greek.) 9,000 issued. |
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ITALIAN |
-
For the Italian non-combatant units with the inscription on the rear(on five
lines) and the bar "COREA", (Korea in Italian.) 131 issued. |
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KOREAN |
-
For the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea with the inscription on the
rear (on three lines) and the bar " ", (Korea in Korean.) 1,222,000 issued. |
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SPANISH |
-
For the Colombian troops with the inscription on the rear(on six lines) and
the bar "COREA", (Korea in Spanish.) 1,300 issued. |
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THAI |
-
For issue to the troops of Thailand (Siam), with the inscription on the rear
(on three lines) and the bar "", (Korea in Thai.) 10,648 issued. |
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TURKISH |
-
For issue to the Turkish troops with, the inscription on the rear (on four
lines) and the bar "KORE", (Korea in Turkish.) 33,696 issued. |
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Size |
35mm diameter, and 2mm thick. |
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Ribbon |
34mm wide, with seventeen alternate 2mm stripes, 9 of United Nations blue
and 8 white. The ribbon is un-watered.
Other ribbon variants are-
The ribbon issued with American manufactured medals is made of silk and is
edged.
Dutch and some Danish coinage medals were mounted with ribbon only 28mm
wide.
Turks are known to have privately replaced the ribbon on their UN Korea
medals with a plain red ribbon. |
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Suspension |
Struck in one piece with a claw and straight non-swivelling suspension bar.
Above this is a narrow bar over which the ribbon passes, the inscribed bar
of the medal, and an upper bar. |
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Composition |
Bronze alloy. |
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Designer |
Unsigned, but designed within the United Nations. |
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Manufacturer |
Originally manufactured by Administration Des Monnaies in Paris, and later
by Medallic Arts in New York City, and Stabilimenti Artistide Fiorentini in
Italy. |
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Naming |
Normally issued unnamed, but medals issued to Australian, Canadian (English
and French coinages), New Zealand and South African personnel were issued
named. |
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No. of Clasps |
One - " KOREA " an integral part of the suspension. It was anticipated that
this medal would be issued with different bars for later UN actions.
Other Emblems Bronze
oak leaf – A single bronze oak leaf emblem is worn on the ribbon by those
personnel who are not entitled to The British Korea Medal but are
either mentioned in despatches or awarded a Kings or Queens Commendation. |
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Brooch |
The standard American pinback broach. |
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No. Issued |
Approximately 4,068,000 of all types. (See coinage details above.) |
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Instituted |
In accordance with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 483(V), the
United Nations Korea Medal was authorised. It was issued by the Secretary
General on 25 September 1951, in recognition of the valour and sacrifice of
the men and women who have served on behalf of the United Nations in
repelling the aggression in Korea. |
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Qualification |
Awarded to all members of land, sea or air forces of quasi-military units,
or members of the armed forces of Korea, despatched to Korea or adjacent
areas for service on behalf of the United Nations by states participating in
the UN action in Korea. There was no restriction as to rank, sex or
nationality, but all awards were subject to approval by the national
governments concerned. Posthumous awards were authorised. No privileges were
bestowed by this medal. The period of service for eligibility of the medal
is given as thirty but one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between
27June 1950 and 27 July 19532. (See
Below) |
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Variants |
Although the standard UN Korea medals was produced in 10 different coinages,
the following variants exist to these medals:-
ENGLISH - The size of the letters of the inscription on the rear of the
standard 35mm diameter United Nations Korea medal was 2mm on the first
type and 1.5mm on the rarer second type.
SPANISH - An unofficial privately produced version was made in the 1970's.
The reverse is a literal translation from English to Spanish and the clasp
reads "KOREA". |
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1 "DEFENCE" is in the British spelling, as used by the U.N. The wording is
taken from the resolution of the General Assembly establishing the medal. |
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2 Extended to 1 January 1954 in the
case of the Netherlands and 27 July 1955 in the case of Sweden and Thailand. |
UNITED NATIONS MEDAL for service in Korea
- Belgium issue.
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Obverse |
Circular with a 1mm wide raised rim with the emblem of the United Nations, a
23.5mm diameter, flats polar projection map of the world, encircled by two
olive branches (the traditional symbol of peace) and with the name of the
engraver "J.DEMART.51” on the bottom right. |
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Reverse |
A
1mm raised rim and perfectly plain except for the inscription in French"
POUR LADEFENSE / DES PRINCIPES DE / LA CHARTE DES / NATIONS UNIES “ in 2mm
high letters on four lines. |
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Size |
37mm diameter, and 2.5mm thick. |
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Ribbon |
37mm wide, with seventeen alternate stripes, 9 of United Nations blue and 8
white. |
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Suspension |
The ribbon is threaded through a 15mm diameter ring, which passes through a
spherical loop fixed to the top of the medal. The ring will move forwards
and backwards but not sideways. |
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Composition |
Bronze. |
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Designer |
J.D. Demart. |
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Manufacturer |
Manufactured by Fibru and De Greef in Brussels. |
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Naming |
Issued unnamed |
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No. of Clasps |
1 - Bronze, slide on type 38mm long and 5mm deep with the inscription
in relief of 3mm "COREE-COREA" - All volunteers of the Battalion Belge who
qualified for the medal are entitled to this clasp. |
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Other Emblems |
None. |
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No. Issued |
Not known. |
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Instituted |
This was originally an unofficial private purchase medal but later became
the official issue to Belgium personnel. |
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Qualification |
For Belgium personnel one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27
June 1950 and 27 July 1953. |
THE UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL, French issue
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Obverse |
Circular, with the emblem of the United Nations, a raised polar
projection map of
the world, encircled by two olive branches, (the traditional symbol
of peace).
|
|
Reverse |
A 0.5mm raised rim and perfectly plain except for the inscription in French
‘POUR
LA DEFENSE / DES PRINCIPES DE / LA CHARTE DES / NATIONS UNIES’
in 2mm high letters on four lines.
|
|
Size |
35mm diameter, and 2mm thick. |
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Ribbon |
34mm wide, with seventeen alternate 2mm stripes of United Nations blue (9)
and white (8).
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|
Suspension |
Struck in one piece with a claw and straight non-swivelling suspension bar.
Above
this is a narrow bar over which the ribbon passes, the inscribed bar
of the medal,
and an upper bar.
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|
Composition |
Bronze alloy. |
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Designer |
Unsigned, but designed within the United Nations. |
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Manufacturer |
Manufactured by Fibru and De Greef in Brussels. |
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Naming |
Issued unnamed |
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No. of Clasps |
One, an integral part of the suspension.
‘COREE’ - (KOREA) in French, All volunteers of the Battalion Belge who
qualified for the medal are entitled to this clasp.
|
|
Other Emblems |
None. |
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No. Issued |
Not known. |
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Instituted |
By the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 483(V) on 12 December 1950
in recognition of the valour and sacrifice of the men and women who
have served
on behalf of the United Nations in repelling the
aggression in Korea.
|
|
Qualification |
For Belgium personnel one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea
or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27
June 1950
and 27 July 1953.
For French personnel one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27
June 1950 and 27 July 1953.
For French Canadian personnel service under United Nations command in Korea
or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27 June
1950
and 24th July 1954. All officers and other ranks of the French Canadian
Forces
the eligibility of those units were published in General Orders by the
United
Nations Commander-in-Chief, and served one day or more. Members of specially
approved civilian categories who were certified by the United Nations
Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in
Korea,
providing they wore the approved uniform of their organisation and served
one or
more days. This included:-
(1) Cable and Wireless Detachments.
(2) Canadian Red Cross.
(3) Salvation Army, YMCA and WVS.
French coinage UN Medal only issued when requested by Francophone
recipients.
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THE UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL, 1st Spanish issue
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Obverse |
Circular, with
the emblem of the United Nations, a raised polar projection map of the world,
encircled by two olive branches, (the traditional symbol of peace).
|
|
Reverse |
TO BE ADDED |
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Size |
35mm diameter, and 2mm thick. |
|
Ribbon |
34mm wide, with seventeen alternate 2mm stripes of United Nations blue (9)
and
white (8).
|
|
Suspension |
Struck in one piece with a claw and straight non-swivelling suspension bar.
Above
this is a narrow bar over which the ribbon passes, the inscribed bar
of the medal,
and an upper bar.
|
|
Composition |
Bronze alloy. |
|
Designer |
Unsigned, but designed within the United Nations. |
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Manufacturer |
Manufactured by Fibru and De Greef in Brussels. |
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Naming |
Issued unnamed |
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No. of Clasps |
One, an integral part of the suspension.
‘COREE’ - (KOREA) in French, All volunteers of the Battalion Belge who
qualified for the medal are entitled to this clasp.
|
|
Other Emblems |
None. |
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No. Issued |
Not known. |
|
Instituted |
By the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 483(V) on 12 December1950
in recognition of the valour and sacrifice of the men and women who
have served
on behalf of the United Nations in repelling the
aggression in Korea.
|
|
Qualification |
For Belgium personnel one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea
or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27
June 1950
and 27 July 1953.
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THE UNITED NATIONS SERVICE MEDAL, 2nd Spanish issue
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Obverse |
Circular, with
the emblem of the United Nations, a raised polar projection map of the world,
encircled by two olive branches, (the traditional symbol of peace).
|
|
Reverse |
TO BE ADDED |
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Size |
35mm diameter, and 2mm thick. |
|
Ribbon |
34mm wide, with seventeen alternate 2mm stripes of United Nations blue (9)
and
white (8).
|
|
Suspension |
Struck in one piece with a claw and straight non-swivelling suspension bar.
Above
this is a narrow bar over which the ribbon passes, the inscribed bar
of the medal,
and an upper bar.
|
|
Composition |
Bronze alloy. |
|
Designer |
Unsigned, but designed within the United Nations. |
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Manufacturer |
Manufactured by Fibru and De Greef in Brussels. |
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Naming |
Issued unnamed |
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No. of Clasps |
One, an integral part of the suspension.
‘COREE’ - (KOREA) in French, All volunteers of the Battalion Belge who
qualified for the medal are entitled to this clasp.
|
|
Other Emblems |
None. |
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No. Issued |
Not known. |
|
Instituted |
By the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 483(V) on 12 December1950
in recognition of the valour and sacrifice of the men and women who
have served
on behalf of the United Nations in repelling the
aggression in Korea.
|
|
Qualification |
For Belgium personnel one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea
or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27
June 1950
and 27 July 1953.
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UNITED NATIONS MEDAL for service in Korea
- Tagalog issue.
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Obverse |
Plain and rimless except for a21mm diameter convexed polar projection map of
the world encircled by two olive branches, the whole being slightly above
centre of the medal. |
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Reverse |
Plain except for the inscription in Tagalog" SA PAGLILINGKOD / UPANG
IPAGTANGGOL / ANG MGA SIMULAIN / NG SALIGANG / KASULATAN NG / MGA BANSANG /
NAGKAKAISA " in 2mm high letters on seven lines. |
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Size |
40mm diameter, and 2mm thick. |
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Ribbon |
36mm wide edged silk, with seventeen alternate stripes, 9 of United Nations
blue and 8 white. The outer stripes being 3mm wide and the rest 2mm. |
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Suspension |
The medal was surmounted directly by a large wide based bar, with a slot for
the ribbon across the top. |
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Composition |
Toned lacquered bronze alloy. |
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Designer |
Not known. |
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Manufacturer |
El Oro of Quezon. |
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Naming |
Issued unnamed. |
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No.
of Clasps |
1
- " KOREA " - An integral part of the suspension. The clasp being 35.5mm
wide and 5mm deep. The letters are 4mm high. |
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Other
Emblems |
None. |
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No.
Issued |
Not known, trial striking only. |
|
Instituted |
Although the Philippine Government requested and received medals of the
English language coinage, a trial striking was made of this unofficial medal
in Tagalog. |
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Qualification |
For Filipino personnel one day's service under United Nations command in
Korea or the adjacent areas, which included Japan and Okinawa, between 27
June 1950 and 27 July 1953. |
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