History

The United Nations Medal was established in 1951 and awarded to UN military personnel for various supervisory and observation roles since 1948. The Bronze Medal is awarded for either 90 or 180 days of service, depending on the operation. A distinct Medal ribbon is issued for missions in different locations.

The following clasps denoting the operation served are also authorized for award with the Medal:

1. "CONGO"
2. "UNGOMAP"
3. "OSGAP"
4. "UNSMIH"
5. "MINUGUA"
6. "UNCRO"
7. "ONUMOZ"
8. "UNSCOM"
9. "UNAMIC"
10. "UNMIH"
11. "UNTMIH"
12. "UNOSGI"
13. "UNMONUA"
14. "UNOCHA"
15. "UNAMA"

A silver numeral is worn on the ribbon to denote subsequent awards for each additional 6 months of service on the same mission, and an Arabic numeral is worn on the ribbon to denote additional tours of duty.

There are multiple versions of the Medal which not only differ by ribbon and clasp but also by design. Medals manufactured in the United States feature an obverse depiction of a raised globe, while Medals manufactured in Europe feature a flattened depiction of the globe.

The Medal is generally issued unnamed, however, Medals issued to South African recipients are named.

Due to the complexity of Medal versions, which differ by both ribbon and clasp, only the South African version (named) and versions with an associated image are featured.