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Why did many American veterans wait decades to receive this medal?

South Korea first made this medal in December 1950 to thank soldiers who fought the invasion. However, United States rules at that time did not let American troops wear medals from other countries. Because of this law, the honor sat in storage for many years and was mostly forgotten. It stayed that way until the rules were updated much later.

When was the medal finally approved for US veterans to wear?

In the late 1990s, the South Korean government reached out again to honor the aging veterans who fought for their country. The United States government finally gave official permission for these medals to be worn in 1999. This special event happened right around the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

What dates of service qualify someone for this medal?

To get this award, a person had to serve in the Korean war zone between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953. You had to serve for at least 30 days in a row or 60 days total during that time. These dates cover the whole conflict from the start of the fighting until the day the peace agreement was signed.

What symbol appears on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal features two rifles that are crossed over each other. Underneath the rifles is the Taegeuk, which is the famous red and blue circle from the South Korean flag. An outline of the map of Korea is also shown to mark the exact land where these heroes fought.

Did all United Nations troops qualify for it?

Yes, this medal was created for all soldiers from the United Nations Command who served in the war. As long as a soldier stayed in the combat area for the required amount of time, they could earn the honor. It stands as a symbol of thanks from the people of South Korea to the brave allies who helped them.

Why did many American veterans wait decades to receive this medal?

South Korea first made this medal in December 1950 to thank soldiers who fought the invasion. However, United States rules at that time did not let American troops wear medals from other countries. Because of this law, the honor sat in storage for many years and was mostly forgotten. It stayed that way until the rules were updated much later.

When was the medal finally approved for US veterans to wear?

In the late 1990s, the South Korean government reached out again to honor the aging veterans who fought for their country. The United States government finally gave official permission for these medals to be worn in 1999. This special event happened right around the 50th anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

What dates of service qualify someone for this medal?

To get this award, a person had to serve in the Korean war zone between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953. You had to serve for at least 30 days in a row or 60 days total during that time. These dates cover the whole conflict from the start of the fighting until the day the peace agreement was signed.

What symbol appears on the front of the medal?

The front of the medal features two rifles that are crossed over each other. Underneath the rifles is the Taegeuk, which is the famous red and blue circle from the South Korean flag. An outline of the map of Korea is also shown to mark the exact land where these heroes fought.

Did all United Nations troops qualify for it?

Yes, this medal was created for all soldiers from the United Nations Command who served in the war. As long as a soldier stayed in the combat area for the required amount of time, they could earn the honor. It stands as a symbol of thanks from the people of South Korea to the brave allies who helped them.

Home Library South KoreaRepublic of Korea War Service Medal

Campaign medal

Republic of Korea War Service Medal

A campaign medal awarded to South Korean and allied soldiers who served during the Korean War.

South Korea Established 1950 All servicesPrecedence: Campaign and service medal sequence, following national orders and decorations

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Conferred for at least thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days of service within the Korean theater during the Korean War.

Eligibility

South Korean troops and allied United Nations Command personnel who served during the Korean War.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Campaign and service medal sequence, following national orders and decorations

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

History

Originally authorized by South Korean Presidential Decree in December 1950, this medal was established to recognize military personnel who fought to repel the invasion of South Korea. It is often referred to as the Republic of Korea Combat Service Medal.

In 1954, President Syngman Rhee offered the medal to all United Nations Command forces who served in the conflict between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953. However, United States regulations initially prevented American troops from accepting foreign awards, so the medal was largely forgotten for decades.

In the late 1990s, the South Korean government renewed the offer to honour aging allied veterans. The United States and other allied countries officially approved the medal for wear by veterans around the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Korean 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