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| Korean War Service Medal |
November 07, 2002 |
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What is the Korean War Service Medal?
Congresswoman Heather Wilson would like to send out a message to Korean War veterans. They are now eligible to receive a medal that was offered to them more than 50 years ago but never issued. In 1951, the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal was offered to United Nations forces serving in Korea and adjacent waters. However, at that time, U.S. prohibited military officers from wearing medals issued by foreign governments. When this law was changed in 1954, most eligible servicemembers had returned home.
The newly approved Korean War Service Medal
In 1998, the Republic of Korea renewed its efforts to honor Korean War Veterans in America, and Republic of Korea Defense Minister, Seong Tae Cho announced soon after that the Korean government would provide the medal to eligible veterans. The Department of Defense approved the acceptance and wear of this medal on August 20, 1999. The United States and Korean Governments will conduct 50th anniversary ceremonies throughout 2000-2003, during which the medals will be issued.
What does the Medal look like?
These are Bronze medals, 1 1/4 inches in diameter, featuring a Korean gateway encircled by the inscription, "KOREAN SERVICE." On the reverse is the Korean symbol, taken from the Korean National Flag with the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and a spray of oak and laurel encircling the design. The ribbon is striped in white and bluebird.
Why is Congresswoman Wilson participating in this program?
Congresswoman Heather Wilson hopes, by participating in this program, to publicly recognize the sacrifice and service of these members of the "Greatest Generation" and to remind younger generations of the great cost that preserving freedom entails. As the first woman veteran ever elected to Congress, Congresswoman Wilson is very sensitive to the needs and concerns of veterans and their families. She will be scheduling ceremonies for presentation of the Service Medal to assure that Korean War veterans can finally be recognized for their invaluable service.
Who is eligible for the Medal?
Approximately 1.8 million Korean War veterans are eligible to receive this medal, and next of kin to eligible, deceased veterans can also apply.
To receive the Korean War Service Medal, veterans must have done the following:
--Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, July 27, 1953.
--Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 consecutive days.
--Performed their duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto, or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations, or in support of combat operations.
A copy of discharge papers, commonly known as a "DD-214" or a corrected version of that document, a "DD-215," will be needed as proof of service.
If you believe that you are eligible to receive this medal, please contact Peg Shepard with Congresswoman Heather Wilson`s office at 346-6781,
or write to:
Congresswoman Heather Wilson
Attention: Peg Shepard
625 Silver Ave. SW Suite 340
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
for an application and/or more information. |
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