United Nations Service Medal

The United Nations Service Medal (UNSM) is a military award that recognizes service members from the United States Armed Forces for participation in United Nations peacekeeping or other operations. The medal was established primarily in recognition of the contributions made by service members in support of international peace and security. ### History The UNSM was created to honor military personnel involved in United Nations' operations in various conflict zones. These operations often involve stabilizing efforts in post-conflict areas and missions aimed at maintaining peace and security in regions where hostilities exist. Various countries have their own iterations of this award, but it is recognized as a mark of honor among troops who have contributed to international peacekeeping missions. ### Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the United Nations Service Medal, service members must: - Participate in a United Nations operation that has been officially recognized. - Meet any specific service requirements pertaining to the mission, such as time in location thresholds which are often stated in the operational guidelines. - The specific operations qualifying for this medal include recognized missions under the United Nations flag, such as those in Korea, the Congo, Cyprus, and several others. ### Awarding Authority The authority to award the UNSM generally lies within the respective command structure of the U.S. Armed Forces. Commanding officers (COs) who possess the authority to recommend military decorations can award the UNSM to personnel who meet the eligibility criteria set out for each specific UN operation. ### Subsequent Awards For service members who participate in multiple distinct operations qualifying for the UNSM, subsequent awards are typically denoted by additional devices, such as bronze or silver stars, which represent additional deployments. ### Authorized Devices When service members receive subsequent awards of the UNSM, they may wear a specific device on the medal ribbon. A bronze star denotes a subsequent award, while a silver star represents five bronze stars. ### Notable Recipients While specific notable recipients weren't detailed in the searched documents, the medal is broadly awarded across military branches and has been given to countless service members involved in UN operations. ### Summary The United Nations Service Medal symbolizes the commitment of the U.S. Armed Forces to international peacekeeping efforts. It is a testament to the sacrifices and contributions of service members who have engaged in operations aimed at supporting peace and safety across the globe. Official regulations surrounding the award's criteria, eligibility, and subsequent awards ensure that the UNSM maintains its prestige and significance among military decorations. In summary, the UNSM serves as an important recognition for U.S. forces involved in international efforts to promote stability and peace under the aegis of the United Nations.