The Korea Medal was awarded to personnel who served in Korea and are eligible to receive up to three medals; The Korea Medal, the UN Medal for Korea and the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 (AASM 45-75). The Korea Medal was instituted in July 1951 and awarded for service in Korea between 1 July 1950 and 27 July 1953. The Korea Medal is cupro-nickle with the obverse having the classical effigy of the Queen (it is contrary to custom to issue medals bearing crowned effigies of sovereigns before coronation). The reverse shows an image of Hercules fighting the Hydra, which is a symbolic representation of communism.

Members Mentioned in Despatches for operations recognized by the Korea Medal were approved to wear a “bronze oak leaf” – MID  on the medal ribbon.

MID available as a separate item

The Korea Medal ribbon has a central stripe of yellow, flanked by stripes of blue and yellow. The blue represents the United Nations.

Approximately 16,000 were issued to Australians.