Republic of Korea War Service Mini Medal - ROK

Service: All Services

Instituted: 1991

Country: Republic of Korea

Republic of Korea War Service Medal - Criteria

Criteria: The Republic of Korea 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.