Context

The United Nations Service Medal was instituted 12 December 1950 for service from 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954 and was earned for serving one day under United Nations' command in Korea or adjacent areas, including Japan and Okinawa.

Eligibility and Criteria

The medal could also be awarded for an aggregate of thirty days, which need not have been consecutive, spent on official visits of inspection to the qualifying area. The qualifying period was 27 June 1950 to 27 July 1954 (One year longer then in the case for the Canadian Medal for Korea).

Description

A circular medal, 1.375 inches across, made of bronze alloy. For mounting, a single-toed scroll claw is attached to a plain, straight suspender.

The obverse has the emblem of the United Nations, which is the globe of the earth viewed from above the North Pole within a wreath of two olive branches.

The reverse has the inscription in 5 lines: FOR SERVICE IN / DEFENCE OF THE / PRINCIPLES OF THE / CHARTER OF THE / UNITED NATIONS, or in 4 lines: POUR LA DEFENSE / DES PRINCIPES DE / LA CHARTE DES / NATIONS UNIES.

The ribbon is 1.375 inches wide, and consists of 17 alternating stripes of blue and white, with blue on each edge.

Bars

A permanent bar is attached to the mount with the word KOREA or COREE on it.

Historical Notes

• The recipient's name is engraved on the rim with the regimental number.