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Is the MFO part of the United Nations?

No, the MFO is an independent group. It was started in 1981 by Egypt and Israel after they signed a big peace treaty. It is not run by the United Nations because it acts as its own special team of partner nations.

Why is the ribbon bright orange?

The ribbon is bright orange because that is the official color of the MFO. It is meant to represent the sandy colors of the Sinai Desert where the soldiers work. The white and green stripes on the edges also help it stand out clearly.

What bird is pictured on the medal?

The medal shows a dove carrying an olive branch. This bird is a famous symbol of peace used all around the world. It shows the goal of the soldiers who help keep things calm in the Middle East.

How many days must a soldier serve to qualify?

A soldier must serve at least ninety days in the Sinai region to get this medal. This service must be done with honor while helping the MFO mission. Since the medal started in 1982, many troops from different countries have earned it this way.

Can soldiers receive numbers on the ribbon?

Yes, soldiers can get small metal numbers to wear on their ribbon. Each number shows that the soldier has completed an extra six-month tour of duty. This helps show how many long periods of time a soldier spent guarding the peace.

Is the MFO part of the United Nations?

No, the MFO is an independent group. It was started in 1981 by Egypt and Israel after they signed a big peace treaty. It is not run by the United Nations because it acts as its own special team of partner nations.

Why is the ribbon bright orange?

The ribbon is bright orange because that is the official color of the MFO. It is meant to represent the sandy colors of the Sinai Desert where the soldiers work. The white and green stripes on the edges also help it stand out clearly.

What bird is pictured on the medal?

The medal shows a dove carrying an olive branch. This bird is a famous symbol of peace used all around the world. It shows the goal of the soldiers who help keep things calm in the Middle East.

How many days must a soldier serve to qualify?

A soldier must serve at least ninety days in the Sinai region to get this medal. This service must be done with honor while helping the MFO mission. Since the medal started in 1982, many troops from different countries have earned it this way.

Can soldiers receive numbers on the ribbon?

Yes, soldiers can get small metal numbers to wear on their ribbon. Each number shows that the soldier has completed an extra six-month tour of duty. This helps show how many long periods of time a soldier spent guarding the peace.

Home Library Other AlliedMultinational Force and Observers Medal

Service medal

Multinational Force and Observers Medal

An allied coalition medal presented to soldiers guarding peace in the Sinai Peninsula under the 1979 peace treaty.

Other Allied Established 1982 All servicesPrecedence: Worn as an authorized foreign and international service medal.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for ninety days of honorable peacekeeping service with the Multinational Force and Observers.

Eligibility

Military forces from participating allied nations assigned to the MFO in the Sinai.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn as an authorized foreign and international service medal.

Multinational Force and Observers Medal, Service medal, Other Allied medal

History

In 1979, Egypt and Israel signed a historic peace treaty, agreeing to end decades of fighting. To guarantee the treaty, an independent coalition of partner nations formed the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in 1981, outside the United Nations. Countries including the United States, Australia, Colombia, Fiji, and Italy provided troops.

The Director General of the MFO established this medal in 1982 to recognize troops guarding desert checkpoints and observing the demilitarized zone. The medal shows the olive-branch dove of peace with the words 'United in Service for Peace'.

The ribbon is orange, representing the Sinai desert and unity, bordered with white and green stripes. Decades later, allied troops still earn this decoration while safeguarding peace in the Middle East.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Arab-Israeli Peace Process

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Erik Sandahl, including Multinational Force and Observers Medal, United Nations Emergency Force Medal, European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal, NATO Medal for the Former Yugoslavia, shown against a light Other Allied flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

Multinational Force and Observers Medal United Nations Emergency Force Medal European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal+1

Erik Sandahl

Who Was Colonel Erik Sandahl?

A Swedish officer who dedicated his career to international peacekeeping and stability operations across the Balkans and the Middle East.

Other Allied1990-1995

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Sources

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