The Republic of Korea War Service Medal was introduced by South Korea in 1951 to recognise the assistance provided by members of the United Nations forces in combatting communist aggressions in Korea.
During the Korean War, Australia used the Imperial Honours and Awards System and was therefore subject to the award policies set by the United Kingdom. The regulations of the day did not permit the acceptance or wearing of this medal by British Commonwealth military personnel.
Following a campaign by the Australian Council of Korea Veterans Associations, a new offer of the medal was made by the South Korean government. The offer was accepted, and approved for wear, by the Governor-General in 2017.
Defence Honours & Awards does not assess for this award and is not the awarding authority. Replacement medals are not issued by Defence. When a foreign award that has been approved for wearing by Defence is lost or stolen, members can obtain a replica from a medals dealer at their own expense.
To apply for approval to accept and wear foreign awards, submit an application with a certified true copy of the award certificate.
Eligibility
Veterans awarded with the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp Korea are also eligible for the Republic of Korea War Service medal. The eligibility criteria, as directed by the Republic of Korea, is as follows:
- served between 25 June 1950 and 27 July 1953
- the service prescribed must have been performed:
- while on permanent assignment
- while on temporary duty within the territorial limits of Korea or on waters immediately adjacent thereto for 30 consecutive days or 60 days not consecutive
- while as crew members of aircraft in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Korean War Nominal Roll
Information relating to service dates can be accessed through the Korean War Nominal Roll curated by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The nominal roll is an index of information that provides a snapshot of individual service gathered from service records.
The nominal roll includes approximately 5,700 members of the Royal Australian Navy, 10,800 members from the Australian Army, and 1,400 members of the Royal Australian Air Force who served in the Korean War operational theatre from 27 June 1950 to 19 April 1956.
Eligibility for the medal ceased on 27 July 1953, and the eligible service periods must have been met prior to that date.