UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

Context

Following the increase of violence along the border between Israel and Lebanon which culminated by the invasion of Lebanon by Israel on 14 March 1978, this Mission was established in March 1978 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, to restore international peace and security, and to assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 19 March 1978 to the present (Canadian participation ended 6 October 1978).

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 bears three equal bands of UN colour: blue, green, and UN blue. The bands are separated by two equal sized white stripes, each bisected by a narrow red line. The colours represent the UN and Lebanese flags.

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 UNDOF medal and before the UNIIMOG medal.

Post-nominals

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