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What is the Dutch name for this medal?

In the Dutch language, this medal is officially called the Kruis voor Recht en Vrijheid. Queen Juliana created this special award in 1951 to honor the men who served. It was the first Dutch campaign medal made specifically for an international defense mission after World War II.

Why did Dutch troops travel to Korea?

After the Korean War began in 1950, the United Nations asked countries to help protect South Korea. Over 3,000 Dutch soldiers volunteered for this mission and formed the Netherlands Detachment United Nations. They fought bravely alongside the United States Army in tough battles like Heartbreak Ridge and Wonju.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon is made of bright stripes in blue, white, and orange. These colors represent both the United Nations mission and the nation of the Netherlands. When soldiers wear it on their uniform, it marks them as people who served during the Korean War.

What is written on the medal?

The front of the medal has the words 'Voor Recht en Vrijheid' stamped on it. In English, this translates to 'For Justice and Freedom'. This meaningful name shows the world exactly what the soldiers were fighting to protect during the conflict.

Did all Dutch soldiers in Korea volunteer?

Yes, every single member of the Dutch unit in Korea was a volunteer who chose to join the fight. They decided to leave their homes to support the United Nations mission and help people in need. Their brave choice shows how much they cared about defending peace around the world.

What is the Dutch name for this medal?

In the Dutch language, this medal is officially called the Kruis voor Recht en Vrijheid. Queen Juliana created this special award in 1951 to honor the men who served. It was the first Dutch campaign medal made specifically for an international defense mission after World War II.

Why did Dutch troops travel to Korea?

After the Korean War began in 1950, the United Nations asked countries to help protect South Korea. Over 3,000 Dutch soldiers volunteered for this mission and formed the Netherlands Detachment United Nations. They fought bravely alongside the United States Army in tough battles like Heartbreak Ridge and Wonju.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon is made of bright stripes in blue, white, and orange. These colors represent both the United Nations mission and the nation of the Netherlands. When soldiers wear it on their uniform, it marks them as people who served during the Korean War.

What is written on the medal?

The front of the medal has the words 'Voor Recht en Vrijheid' stamped on it. In English, this translates to 'For Justice and Freedom'. This meaningful name shows the world exactly what the soldiers were fighting to protect during the conflict.

Did all Dutch soldiers in Korea volunteer?

Yes, every single member of the Dutch unit in Korea was a volunteer who chose to join the fight. They decided to leave their homes to support the United Nations mission and help people in need. Their brave choice shows how much they cared about defending peace around the world.

Home Library NetherlandsCross for Justice and Freedom

Campaign medal

Cross for Justice and Freedom

The Cross for Justice and Freedom recognizes Dutch military personnel who deployed to fight in the Korean War.

Netherlands Established 1951 All servicesPrecedence: Worn following World War II campaign decorations and before later peacekeeping medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for at least three months of active duty in Korea supporting the United Nations mission.

Eligibility

Members of the Dutch military and auxiliary personnel attached to the Dutch United Nations detachment.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn following World War II campaign decorations and before later peacekeeping medals

Cross for Justice and Freedom, Campaign medal, Netherlands medal

History

Queen Juliana instituted this medal in 1951 to recognize troops who volunteered for the United Nations detachment sent to defend South Korea. It was the first Dutch campaign medal specifically established for an international collective defense mission after World War II.

Over three thousand Dutch soldiers served bravely in the Netherlands Detachment United Nations (NDVN) alongside the United States Army's 2nd Infantry Division. They took part in intense battles such as Heartbreak Ridge and Wonju.

The medal featured a campaign bar labeled 'KOREA 1950' to indicate frontline combat participation. Today, it remains an important symbol of early Dutch involvement in United Nations peace enforcement campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Korean War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Peter van den Berg, including Army Operational Service Medal, Resistance Memorial Cross, Commemorative Medal for Peace Operations, Cross for Justice and Freedom, shown against a light Netherlands flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Army Operational Service Medal Resistance Memorial Cross Commemorative Medal for Peace Operations+1

Peter van den Berg

How Did Dutch Troops Serve in Recent Conflicts?

A Dutch officer serving in modern peacekeeping and operational roles.

Netherlands2006-05-01

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Sources

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