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Is this citation given to one person or an entire group?

This award is meant for an entire military unit instead of one single soldier. It honors the collective bravery of a whole team, such as a large battalion or a ship's crew. When a unit works together to show extraordinary heroism during a battle, the government gives this award to the whole group.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon features a red and blue symbol called a Taegeuk in the center, which is the same design found on the South Korean flag. This colorful ribbon is held inside a shiny gold frame shaped like laurel leaves. It is designed to look very important and proud when it is worn on a soldier's uniform.

Did American units earn this citation?

Yes, many famous American units received this honor during the Korean War that started in 1950. Troops from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy earned the award for their courage during intense fighting. Famous events like the Incheon Landing and the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter led to many American groups receiving this special recognition.

Who signs this award?

This award is very special because it is given directly by the President of South Korea. It shows that the country truly values the help and hard work of the allied soldiers. Because the President provides this honor, it is seen as a very big deal for any military unit to receive.

Do soldiers get to wear it on their uniforms?

Yes, soldiers who were part of the unit during a major battle can wear the ribbon on their chest. It is placed above other medals to show everyone that their group did something very brave. Many veterans feel a lot of pride wearing this symbol of their service in South Korea.

Is this citation given to one person or an entire group?

This award is meant for an entire military unit instead of one single soldier. It honors the collective bravery of a whole team, such as a large battalion or a ship's crew. When a unit works together to show extraordinary heroism during a battle, the government gives this award to the whole group.

What does the ribbon look like?

The ribbon features a red and blue symbol called a Taegeuk in the center, which is the same design found on the South Korean flag. This colorful ribbon is held inside a shiny gold frame shaped like laurel leaves. It is designed to look very important and proud when it is worn on a soldier's uniform.

Did American units earn this citation?

Yes, many famous American units received this honor during the Korean War that started in 1950. Troops from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy earned the award for their courage during intense fighting. Famous events like the Incheon Landing and the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter led to many American groups receiving this special recognition.

Who signs this award?

This award is very special because it is given directly by the President of South Korea. It shows that the country truly values the help and hard work of the allied soldiers. Because the President provides this honor, it is seen as a very big deal for any military unit to receive.

Do soldiers get to wear it on their uniforms?

Yes, soldiers who were part of the unit during a major battle can wear the ribbon on their chest. It is placed above other medals to show everyone that their group did something very brave. Many veterans feel a lot of pride wearing this symbol of their service in South Korea.

Home Library South KoreaRepublic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

Valor decoration

Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

A prestigious military unit decoration presented by the President of South Korea for extraordinary collective gallantry.

South Korea Established 1950 All servicesPrecedence: Worn as a unit award ribbon above individual foreign service medals

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Conferred on entire military units that demonstrate extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.

Eligibility

South Korean and allied military units serving in combat operations alongside South Korea.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn as a unit award ribbon above individual foreign service medals

Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Valor decoration, South Korea medal

History

The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation was established in the early weeks of the Korean War to recognize complete military units that performed extraordinary heroic actions. It was conferred directly by the President of South Korea upon units of both the South Korean military and allied United Nations Command forces.

During legendary engagements such as the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter, the Incheon Landing, and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, entire divisions, regiments, and ships were decorated with this honour. Awardees wore a distinctive ribbon encased in a gold laurel leaf frame.

Following the Korean War, the citation continued to be awarded to South Korean units during the Vietnam War, and to allied units participating in joint defense operations and disaster relief exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Korean War Vietnam War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Paik Sun-yup, including Order of Military Merit, Eulji, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Korea Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Order of National Security Merit, Tong-Il, Order of Military Merit, Hwarang, Order of Military Merit, Chungmu, shown against a light South Korea flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Korean War

Order of Military Merit, Eulji Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Service Medal+4

Paik Sun-yup

Who Was General Paik Sun-yup?

General Paik was a hero who stopped the North Korean advance at the Pusan Perimeter.

South Korea1950-08-01

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Sources

Back to South Korea