UN Disengagement Observation Force (UNDOF)

Context

Established in June 1974 to supervise the cease-fire between Israel and Syria, supervise the disengagement (redeployment) of Syrian and Israeli forces, and to establish a buffer zone, as provided in the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces of 31 May 1974. The Mission continues to perform its functions effectively with the cooperation of the parties.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 1 June 1974 to the present.

The UN strictly applies their medals policy and will not consider requests for initial issue of the UN medals that are submitted more than one year after repatriation from the mission area.

The qualifying service is not required for members killed or presumed killed while on assignment. In such cases, the medal may be awarded posthumously.

Description

A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.

On the obverse, the representation of the UN symbol surmounted by the straight letters UN, both in bas-relief.

On the reverse, an inscription bearing the words "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE" in English (and only in English).

A 0.5 inch (12mm) bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.

The ribbon contains a central stripe of UN blue with a red line down the middle representing the UN patrolled Area of Separation. Two narrow stripes of black, representing the volcanic rock of the Golan region, appear on either side, with two narrow bands of white, symbolic of the snow on Mt. Hermon, outside these. At either end are wide bands of burgundy, symbolizing the purple haze at sunset and the native thistles of the Golan.

Bar(s)

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner:

• on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the UNEFME medal and before the UNFIL medal.

Post-nominals

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.

Historical notes

The following is a list of members who have died while serving in the theatre of operations:

• Cpl Hudon J.P.R.
• Cpl Larose G.J.
• Cpl Porter P.K.
• Cpl Ross D.C.