Context

This Korean War medal was established in 1991 for service between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954.

Eligibility and Criteria

A former member of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force is eligible to be awarded the medal where the member:

• was in the Canadian armed forces during all or part of the period from 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954:
• was in the qualifying area (defined as Korea and the adjacent areas, including Japan, Okinawa and Korean waters); and
• during the period referred to in (a),
  • was on the strength of an army unit or formation in Korea for at least one day;
  • was on active service for at least 28 days on a ship or craft engaged in operations in the qualifying area;
  • flew one sortie over Korea or over Korean waters in the Yellow Sea or East Sea (Sea of Japan), or:
  • accumulated at least 28 days service in the qualifying area.

The medal may be awarded posthumously.

Description

A circular medal of copper and zinc alloy (silver in colour), 1.42 inches in diameter. For mounting, a claw at the top of the medal is attached to a straight bar.

The obverse has a crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right, circumscribed with the legend: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA · CANADA · the word CANADA being at the bottom.

The reverse has, in five lines, the words: KOREA/VOLUNTEER/1950 - 1954/VOLONTAIRE/COREE within a laurel wreath, with a maple leaf centred at the bottom.

The ribbon is composed of seven bands: United Nations blue, yellow, red, white, red, yellow, and United Nations blue.