UN Iraq – Kuwait Observer Mission (UNIKOM)

Context

This mission was established in April 1991 to monitor a demilitarized zone established along the boundary between the States of Iraq and Kuwait and the Khor Abdullah and to retrieve non-exploded ammunition and de-mine the area.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service from 03 April 1991 to 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 narrow central stripe of UN blue, surrounded by two broad bands of a buff or desert colour representing Iraq and Kuwait.

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 ONUCA medal and before the UNAVEM medal.

Post-nominals

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