What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What is the Korean name for this medal?

This award is officially called the Kun'gong Medal. North Korea created it on June 13, 1949, to honor brave service members. It was modeled after a special medal from the Soviet Union meant for combat service.

Can it be earned during peacetime?

Yes, soldiers can earn this award even when there is no war happening. If a person finishes ten years of honest and hard service in the military, they can be given the medal. Because of this, it has become the most common military prize for people serving in the country.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a circle and is made of a silver-colored metal. It features a star and a pretty wreath of leaves on the front side. It hangs from a small piece of cloth called a ribbon that clips onto a soldier's uniform.

Who supplied the first medals?

The Soviet Union made the very first group of these medals for North Korea. This happened shortly after the medal was created in 1949. The Soviet government sent these finished medals to North Korea just before the Korean War started.

What is the Korean name for this medal?

This award is officially called the Kun'gong Medal. North Korea created it on June 13, 1949, to honor brave service members. It was modeled after a special medal from the Soviet Union meant for combat service.

Can it be earned during peacetime?

Yes, soldiers can earn this award even when there is no war happening. If a person finishes ten years of honest and hard service in the military, they can be given the medal. Because of this, it has become the most common military prize for people serving in the country.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a circle and is made of a silver-colored metal. It features a star and a pretty wreath of leaves on the front side. It hangs from a small piece of cloth called a ribbon that clips onto a soldier's uniform.

Who supplied the first medals?

The Soviet Union made the very first group of these medals for North Korea. This happened shortly after the medal was created in 1949. The Soviet government sent these finished medals to North Korea just before the Korean War started.

Home Library North KoreaMedal for Military Merit

Merit decoration

Medal for Military Merit

A widely awarded combat medal recognizing brave frontline action or ten years of exemplary military service.

North Korea Established 1949 All servicesPrecedence: Senior military merit medal beneath the orders

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for distinguished acts in combat or for completing ten years of exemplary military service.

Eligibility

Enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers, officers, and wartime volunteer forces.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Senior military merit medal beneath the orders

Medal for Military Merit, Merit decoration, North Korea medal

History

The Medal for Military Merit (also known as the Kun'gong Medal) was instituted on June 13, 1949. It was one of the earliest official military medals created before the outbreak of the Korean War, based on the Soviet Medal for Combat Service.

During the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the medal was awarded on a massive scale. Over 500,000 North Korean soldiers and more than 400,000 Chinese soldiers received it for courage under fire, field support, and dangerous frontline duties.

After the war, the criteria were widened to include ten years of honorable and exemplary military service. It remains the most widely distributed military award among veterans and active personnel in the country.