UNITED NATIONS MEDALS

A United Nations Medal is an international decoration awarded by the United Nations (UN) to the various world countries members for participation in joint international military and police operations such as peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and disaster relief. The medal is ranked in militaries and police forces as a service medal. The United Nations awarded its first medal during the Korean War (1950-53). Since 1955, many additional United Nations medals have been created and awarded for participation in various United Nations missions and actions around the world.

The medals shown here are the missions that the United States has participated in and has accepted the designated United Nations medal. Although these are authorized by the Secretary General of the United Nations and Executive Order 11139, January 7, 1964. U.S. service members who are or have been in the service of the United Nations in operations designated by the Secretary of Defense may accept the United Nations Medal (UNM) when awarded by the Chief of the United Nations Mission.

As per Code of Federal Regulations Title 32 - National Defense contained in Volume 3 dated 2008-07-01 Section 578.126 - United Nations Medal.
Each United Nations mission for which an UNM is awarded is commemorated by a suspension and service ribbon of unique colors and design. The ribbon and medallion combination take on the name of the specific operation for which the combination was created. For example, the operation in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia is the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR), yielding the UNPROFOR Medal. Service members who are awarded an UNM may wear the first UNM with unique suspension and service ribbon for which they qualify. A bronze service star will denote subsequent awards of the UNM for service in a different United Nations mission. Only one United Nations ribbon is authorized for wear.

Because there can, and will, be additions to these images, we will be updating this page when we become aware of any additions. In consideration of this, the below information is provided and should be checked.

The Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness maintains a list of "Approved Military Decorations and Awards" which is a roster of the approved Joint DoD awards and/or operations for which the medal is authorized. This is the DoD Approved U.N. Missions and Actions approved award/operations. as of the date shown in the document. You may want to verify if it has been updated at The Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness (linked above)