French Medal for United Nations Operations in Korea
Key Information:
• Country: France
• Official name: Médaille commémorative française des opérations de l’Organisation des Nations Unies en Corée
• Campaign: Korean War, 1950–1953
• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: approx. 36.40 mm
• Ribbon: Original style blue, white and red striped ribbon
Medal Design:
Obverse:
Laurel wreath border surrounding a central five-petal floral emblem bearing a Taegeuk symbol and trigrams inspired by the Korean flag. Above the medal is a stylized Oriental pagoda and flame suspension.
Reverse:
Outer inscription:
“REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE” – French Republic
Central inscription:
“MÉDAILLE COMMÉMORATIVE FRANÇAISE DES OPÉRATIONS DE L’ORGANISATION DES NATIONS UNIES EN CORÉE”
Translation: French Commemorative Medal for the Operations of the United Nations in Korea
Condition:
• Bronze surface with natural age patina
• Details well preserved
• Ribbon shows light wear consistent with age
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
This medal was instituted to recognize French military personnel who served under United Nations command during the Korean War (1950–1953). France contributed the French Battalion of the United Nations Command, which fought alongside allied forces.
The design combines French republican symbolism with Korean national elements, making it a distinctive and historically important Cold War era decoration. It is increasingly sought after by collectors of Korean War, UN, and French military medals.
Summary:
An original French commemorative medal awarded for service in Korea under United Nations command. A historically significant Cold War campaign decoration with strong appeal to collectors of UN and French military awards.