Medals for Korean Veterans
Date: 
Wednesday, 20 May, 2015

FROM:  Jack Hayes, Adviser Medals Policy.  Copy of an email to Col Comdt & James Newman:

I have deliberately copied this to Jay Waters at the ROK Embassy so he can advise the staff at the Embassy here in Wellington and Col Barry Dreyer as the RNZA Hon Col (where the majority of Korean veterans are from).

A very timely email as I have just been discussing these medals with the NZ Herald of Arms – Phillip O’Shea.

The advice is that BOTH of these medals are commemorative medals and should not be mounted on a bar with campaign medals approved for acceptance and wear by our Sovereign. Note that the Korean War Service Medal has been formally approved by HM The Queen for wear by Korean veterans and is generally correctly mounted in accordance with the New Zealand Order of Wear along with the other British Commonwealth and UN medals awarded for service in Korea.  The NZDF Medals office is still awarding these medals on behalf of the Republic of Korea Govt at no charge to eligible veterans – see the NZDF Medals website for full details.

HOWEVER, any Korean veterans may wear on their right side any Korean Commemorative medals or badges that show their links and service with Korea. This includes the Nobel Peace Medal and the Korean Peace Medal.
We are also advised that the Republic of Korean Govt will continue to present commemorative medals to Korean veterans in the future and the same rules will also apply to those ‘Commemorative medals’. 

There has been much confusion about these two medals that many Korean Veterans and their families are now wearing in a range of set ups. We trust this clarifies the official position for all Korean veterans.

We also wish to record the well intentioned intent by the Korean veterans who have received these awards in good faith – any efforts you can provide to assist a clearer understanding of the appropriate wear of these awards is welcomed. There is no intention of any punitive action by NZDF or the Herald of Arms to demand veterans change what is already done. “At the next opportunity, correct it” is a quite acceptable response plan as far as we are concerned.

I am happy to take any questions on this matter
Cheers
Jack Hayes

Adviser Medals Policy
Defence Personnel Executive
Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force
Freyberg House, 2 Aitken St
Private Bag 39997
WELLINGTON 6011
New Zealand
Tel: DDI +64 (4) 498 6827
DTelN: 349 8827
Email: jack.hayes@nzdf.mil.nz
NZDF Medals Website: http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz