Merchant Marine Korean Service Medal

The Merchant Marine Korean Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Merchant Marine awarded for service during the Korean War.

History

The decoration was created by the United States Maritime Administration on July 24, 1956.

Conditions

The decoration is awarded to officers and men for service aboard merchant vessels flying the American flag in waters adjacent to Korea between June 30, 1950, and September 30, 1953, during the Korean War.
Prior to 1992, the Merchant Marine Korean Service Medal was a ribbon-only decoration. Later, a medal was affixed to the ribbon. The following is a design note: "the torii gate and taeguk are traditionally associated with Korea. The ship's chain alludes to maritime service."