France – Commemorative Medal for United Nations Operations in Korea (Médaille Commémorative Française des Opérations de l’Organisation des Nations Unies en Corée)
Diameter: 36.40 mm
Condition: Very Good – Includes original ribbon with minimal age wear and patina. Please refer to photos for a complete assessment of condition.
Description:
Offered here is an authentic French Korea War commemorative medal, officially known as the “Médaille Commémorative Française des Opérations de l’Organisation des Nations Unies en Corée.” This bronze medal was established on 8 January 1952 to recognize members of the French Armed Forces who served in Korea under the United Nations during the Korean War (1950–1953).
Details:
Obverse: Features a stylized Taeguk (Yin-Yang) symbol at the center of a rose, surrounded by laurel branches and mounted on a torch – symbolizing valor and unity.
Reverse: Bears the inscription: "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE – MÉDAILLE COMMÉMORATIVE FRANÇAISE DES OPÉRATIONS DE L’ORGANISATION DES NATIONS UNIES EN CORÉE"
translates to:"FRENCH REPUBLIC – FRENCH COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL FOR UNITED NATIONS OPERATIONS IN KOREA"
Ribbon: Vertical stripes in alternating blue, white, red, and light blue, reflecting the colors of both the French and United Nations flags.
Suspension: Decorative Asian-style pagoda and flame motif, symbolizing the region of Eligibility:
Awarded to:
Members of the French Battalion of the United Nations, which notably served alongside American forces in the Battle of Chipyong-ni and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge.
French citizens and military personnel who served a minimum of 2 months in the Korean theater of operations.
A great piece of Cold War and UN military history—ideal for collectors of French, Korean War, or multinational military decorations.