Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Republic of Korea War Service Medal

The Republic of Korea War Service Medal is a distinguished military decoration awarded by the Republic of Korea (South Korea). Instituted in 1951, this medal serves to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel who have contributed to the defense and security of South Korea during the Korean War and subsequent military operations.

Eligibility for the Republic of Korea War Service Medal requires the following:

• Service as a member of the military forces of an allied nation, including the United States, Australia, and other countries, during the Korean War or subsequent military operations.
• Completion of a specified period of service in designated areas of operation or in direct support of military operations in South Korea.

The medal, typically 35 millimeters in diameter, features a design that symbolizes the cooperation and shared sacrifice of allied nations in the defense of South Korea. The obverse side displays a central emblem of the Taeguk, the traditional Korean yin-yang symbol, surrounded by four symbolic mountains and five pointed stars representing unity and strength.

The accompanying ribbon, usually 35 millimeters wide, consists of alternating stripes of blue and white. The blue stripes represent the Republic of Korea, while the white stripes symbolize peace and the shared commitment to defending freedom and democracy.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

Republic of Korea War Service Medal Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

Republic of Korea War Service Medal Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

Republic of Korea War Service Medal Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Republic of Korea War Service Medal Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

Republic of Korea War Service Medal Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.