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What does the symbol on the front of the medal mean?

The medal features a four-pointed star that acts as a compass rose. This star stands for the NATO alliance working together to find the right path. It is surrounded by a wreath of leaves to show peace and honor for the mission.

Why were Allied soldiers sent to Yugoslavia?

Soldiers were sent to the region starting in 1992 to help stop a terrible war. They worked to watch over peace deals and bring food and medicine to people who lost their homes. Their goal was to keep the peace and stop more violence from happening in the area.

What is the clasp on the ribbon?

The clasp is a small metal bar that attaches to the blue ribbon of the medal. It has the words 'FORMER YUGOSLAVIA' stamped clearly on the front. This piece helps people see exactly where the service member helped out during the conflict.

Is NATO a single country?

NATO is not one country, but a large team of many different nations. These countries agree to protect each other and work together to keep the world safe. When they send troops to a mission, those soldiers represent the whole group working as one big team.

How long did allied troops need to serve to earn it?

A soldier had to serve for at least thirty days to get this award. This time could be spent doing continuous service on the ground in the war zone. Air crews could also earn the medal by flying thirty missions over the area.

What does the symbol on the front of the medal mean?

The medal features a four-pointed star that acts as a compass rose. This star stands for the NATO alliance working together to find the right path. It is surrounded by a wreath of leaves to show peace and honor for the mission.

Why were Allied soldiers sent to Yugoslavia?

Soldiers were sent to the region starting in 1992 to help stop a terrible war. They worked to watch over peace deals and bring food and medicine to people who lost their homes. Their goal was to keep the peace and stop more violence from happening in the area.

What is the clasp on the ribbon?

The clasp is a small metal bar that attaches to the blue ribbon of the medal. It has the words 'FORMER YUGOSLAVIA' stamped clearly on the front. This piece helps people see exactly where the service member helped out during the conflict.

Is NATO a single country?

NATO is not one country, but a large team of many different nations. These countries agree to protect each other and work together to keep the world safe. When they send troops to a mission, those soldiers represent the whole group working as one big team.

How long did allied troops need to serve to earn it?

A soldier had to serve for at least thirty days to get this award. This time could be spent doing continuous service on the ground in the war zone. Air crews could also earn the medal by flying thirty missions over the area.

Home Library Other AlliedNATO Medal for the Former Yugoslavia

Campaign medal

NATO Medal for the Former Yugoslavia

An alliance award presented to allied troops who deployed to help stop warfare in the Balkans.

Other Allied Established 1992 All servicesPrecedence: Worn in the foreign and international decorations section of the uniform.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for thirty days of continuous service in the former Yugoslavia during authorized NATO operations.

Eligibility

Allied military forces and designated civilian staff assigned to NATO Balkan operations.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn in the foreign and international decorations section of the uniform.

NATO Medal for the Former Yugoslavia, Campaign medal, Other Allied medal

History

In 1992, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization created its first operational campaign medal for alliance forces. Allied troops had been sent to the Balkans to monitor peace agreements, deliver relief supplies, and prevent further violence in the collapsing region of Yugoslavia. NATO leaders wanted a uniform medal to recognize troops from all member nations serving side by side.

The medal displays the four-pointed NATO compass star surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves. The ribbon is NATO blue with two white stripes, representing unity and international peace. A small bronze clasp with the words 'FORMER YUGOSLAVIA' sits on the ribbon.

This award set the standard for how the modern NATO alliance rewards coalition military service. It was given to tens of thousands of allied soldiers and aircrews throughout the 1990s as peace operations expanded across Bosnia and surrounding regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Yugoslav WarsBosnian War

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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