Service: All Services
Instituted: 1991
Country: Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea War Service Medal - Criteria
Criteria: The Korean War Service Medal is awarded to all
military personnel who served 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive
days in Korea or its territorial waters between 27 June 1950 and 27 July
1953. It may also be awarded to aircrew personnel who flew combat or
support missions over or to Korea.
Devices: None
Notes: The date above indicates when the award was accepted by the United States Government.
Republic of Korea War Service Medal - History
The Republic of Korea War Service Medal was established in 1951 by
the Government of the Republic of Korea for presentation to the foreign
military personnel who served on or over the Korean Peninsula or in
its territorial waters between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1953.
However, it was not approved for acceptance and wear until 1999. To be
eligible for this award, U.S. military personnel must have been on
permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60
non-consecutive days. The duty must have been performed within the
territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto
or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat
operations or in support of combat operations. The 48 year interval
between establishment and its formal acceptance represents the second
longest period of time in U.S. history between an event of significant
national and military importance and the establishment of an
appropriate commemorative medal.
The Republic of Korea War Service Medal is a bronze disk containing a
map of the Korean Peninsula at top center over a grid of the world and
olive branches on either side of the design. Below the map are two
crossed bullets. In the center of the ribbon and earlier medal drapes
(1950’s), is an ancient oriental symbol called a taeguk (the top half
is red and the bottom half is blue). The reverse contains the
inscription, “FOR SERVICE IN KOREA” in English embossed on two lines
with two small blank plaques on which the recipient’s name may be
engraved.
