United Nations Korea Medal – British Issue
An example of the United Nations Korea Medal, the officially issued British type awarded to all UK personnel who served under UN command during the Korean War, 1950–1953. This distinctive medal, struck in a light, nickel-coloured alloy, bears the United Nations emblem on the obverse and the inscription “FOR SERVICE IN DEFENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS” on the reverse. It comes fitted with its correct ribbon of pale blue with narrow white edges, representing the colours of the UN flag.
Instituted in December 1950, the medal was awarded to members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force who served with UN forces in Korea or its surrounding waters and airspace. The British contingent formed a significant and highly respected part of the UN effort, fighting alongside allies from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and other nations. British units took part in some of the hardest fighting of the war, including the defence of the Pusan Perimeter, the retreat from the Yalu, the battles of Imjin River and the Hook, and the gruelling mountain and trench warfare that followed the fluid campaigns of 1950–51.
The British-issue UN Korea Medal is often collected alongside the UK Korea Medal, but remains an important award in its own right—marking service in what was one of the most challenging conflicts of the Cold War era. Collectors value these medals both for their place in post-WW2 British military history and for their connection to the multinational nature of the Korean War.
A representative example of this classic Cold War campaign medal to British forces serving under the United Nations banner in Korea.
AJMS Medals