United Nations Emergency Force Medal

The United Nations Emergency Force Medal was a medal awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 7 November 1956 and 17 June 1967 with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). UNEF, the first peacekeeping mission established by the UN, had a mandate to secure the removal of Israeli, British and French troops from the Suez canal zone and the Gaza Strip and to maintain peace in the area.

The first Canadian troops arrived in Egypt on 24 November 1956, and Egypt abruptly asked them to leave in May 1967, leading to the six-day war between Israel and Egypt. Thirty-two Canadians lost their lives serving with this force.

Description

A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.

Bars

There is no bar to this medal.

Obverse

The obverse has the emblem of the United Nations with the addition of the curved letters UNEF.

Reverse

The reverse has an inscription bearing the words IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE (only in English).

Ribbon

The ribbon has a background of a sand or buff colour symbolizing the Sinai with a wide centre band of UN blue. Two thin lines in dark blue and green appear at either end of the ribbon, the blue representing the Suez Canal, and the green, the Nile Valley.

Mounting

For mounting, a 0.5 inch (12mm) bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.

Dates

For service between 7 November 1956 and 17 June 1967.

Naming

The medal is not named.