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Why is this medal unique among South Korean awards?

This medal is very special because it has English words on the back. It is the only medal from South Korea that uses a different language instead of their own. South Korea did this to show they truly value the help of soldiers who came from far away to protect them.

Do South Korean soldiers receive this medal?

No, South Korean soldiers are not allowed to receive this specific medal. It was built only to honor people from other countries, like the United States. It recognizes foreign troops and workers who spent time living on Korean bases to keep the peace.

When was this service medal created?

The medal was officially started on June 4, 1974. The President of South Korea made this happen through a special rule called Presidential Decree Number 7169. It was created to say thank you to all the foreign helpers who arrived after the big war ended in 1953.

Can families receive this medal if a soldier died on duty?

Yes, families can receive this award if their loved one died while serving in Korea. It is a way for the country to show they will never forget the person's sacrifice. This medal serves as a permanent symbol of thanks for those who gave their lives to help others.

What country sent the most troops who qualified?

The United States sent more troops to Korea than any other country. Thousands of American service members have lived on these bases for many years during the Cold War. Their hard work and presence help to keep the area safe and stop new wars from starting.

Why is this medal unique among South Korean awards?

This medal is very special because it has English words on the back. It is the only medal from South Korea that uses a different language instead of their own. South Korea did this to show they truly value the help of soldiers who came from far away to protect them.

Do South Korean soldiers receive this medal?

No, South Korean soldiers are not allowed to receive this specific medal. It was built only to honor people from other countries, like the United States. It recognizes foreign troops and workers who spent time living on Korean bases to keep the peace.

When was this service medal created?

The medal was officially started on June 4, 1974. The President of South Korea made this happen through a special rule called Presidential Decree Number 7169. It was created to say thank you to all the foreign helpers who arrived after the big war ended in 1953.

Can families receive this medal if a soldier died on duty?

Yes, families can receive this award if their loved one died while serving in Korea. It is a way for the country to show they will never forget the person's sacrifice. This medal serves as a permanent symbol of thanks for those who gave their lives to help others.

What country sent the most troops who qualified?

The United States sent more troops to Korea than any other country. Thousands of American service members have lived on these bases for many years during the Cold War. Their hard work and presence help to keep the area safe and stop new wars from starting.

Home Library South KoreaRepublic of Korea Service Medal

Service medal

Republic of Korea Service Medal

A defense service medal awarded by South Korea to foreign troops stationed on the peninsula.

South Korea Established 1974 All servicesPrecedence: Foreign service medal sequence; worn according to each receiving nation's regulations

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Conferred for honorable and devoted military service performed in defense of South Korea by foreign personnel.

Eligibility

United States and foreign armed forces personnel and defense civilian employees stationed in South Korea.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Foreign service medal sequence; worn according to each receiving nation's regulations

Republic of Korea Service Medal, Service medal, South Korea medal

History

The Republic of Korea Service Medal was established by Presidential Decree Number 7169 on June 4, 1974. The award was designed exclusively to honour foreign military personnel who served in the ongoing defense of South Korea after the 1953 armistice.

Uniquely, the medal was not awarded to South Korean armed forces, but specifically to American and allied forces stationed along the Demilitarized Zone and Korean bases. The reverse side was cast with English lettering, making it the only South Korean medal bearing a foreign language inscription.

South Korea officially offered the medal to allied partners to show gratitude for their sacrifice. It became an important symbol of the continuing security alliance between South Korea and the United States during the Cold War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold 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