The Korea Medal (1951) is sometimes referred to as the Queen’s Korea Medal to distinguish it from the United Nations Service Medal. This medal was instituted July 1951 by King George VI for an award to the British Commonwealth forces, except South Africa, who were deployed to Korea and the surrounding waters between 2nd July, 1950 and 27th July, 1953.
Eligibility – Any members of the Commonwealth realm’s armed forces were eligible.
Description: The majority of British medals and clasps are made of solid silver though some were issued in bronze versions, mainly to Indian non-combatants. The majority of the British campaign awards are circular, usually 36mm in diameter.
Ribbons: Medals are worn suspended from their own specific ribbons. Ribbon width can vary slightly though it is generally 32mm wide. The ribbon shown is 31.8 mm (1.25 inch) wide ribbon with five vertical stripes in alternating yellow and blue, the latter representing the United Nations.
The obverse is the bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right surrounded by a legend, the first issue contained “ELIZABETH II DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REGINA F; D (Latin abbreviation for: Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God Queen of All the Britons, Defender of the Faith) and the second issue “ELIZABETH II: DEI: GRATIA: REGINA F:D: +”.
Historical notes: Medals to the Canadian forces have the word “CANADA” under the bust. Approximately 7,500 were issued to Canadians (Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God Queen of Canada). The reverse has Hercules, armed with a dagger, with his left arm out horizontally holding /hydra, which he is also holding off with his left leg (a symbolic representation of communism) with Korea printed on the bottom.