History
The United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, UNIIMOG, was established in August 1988 to verify, confirm and supervise the ceasefire and the withdrawal of forces to the recognised boundaries agreed between Iran and Iraq, ending the long and terrible war the two countries had fought through the 1980s. The observers watched the front lines while the forces disengaged, and the mission ran until February 1991.
Australia contributed military observers to UNIIMOG, part of the international group that supervised the truce. The medal was awarded for ninety days' service; a numeral marks a further tour. As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal follows the standard United Nations design: a circular bronze medallion 35 millimetres in diameter, the obverse bearing the emblem of the United Nations, a world map seen from the north pole within a wreath of olive branches, surmounted by the letters UN. The reverse carries the words IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE in relief. United Nations medals are issued unnamed, and the mission is identified by the colours of the ribbon.
The ribbon
UN blue centre with the Iranian and Iraqi flags.
The ribbon has a broad central band of United Nations blue, flanked at one end by three equal stripes of green, white and red for the flag of Iran, and at the other by three equal stripes of red, white and black for the flag of Iraq.
Clasps
United Nations Number 1
A silver numeral worn on the ribbon of the medal. United Nations numerals record the number of qualifying periods of service completed with the mission.
United Nations Number 2
A silver numeral recording a second qualifying period of service with the mission.
United Nations Number 3
A silver numeral recording a third qualifying period of service with the mission.
United Nations Number 4
A silver numeral recording a fourth qualifying period of service with the mission.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for service with the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between August 1988 and February 1991 qualifies; Australia contributed military observers;
- A numeral on the ribbon marks a further tour of the same mission;
- As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.
Order of wear
United Nations medals are awarded by the United Nations and accepted and worn by Australians who served the mission. In the Australian Order of Wearing they are worn after Australian honours and campaign awards, among the foreign awards, in the sequence set for United Nations service, which generally follows the dates of the missions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UN Iran Iraq Observer Group Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group, UNIIMOG, established in 1988 to supervise the ceasefire and withdrawal of forces that ended the Iran-Iraq war, running until 1991.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A United Nations blue centre flanked by the green, white and red of the Iranian flag at one end and the red, white and black of the Iraqi flag at the other.
What was Australia's role?
Australia contributed military observers to the group that supervised the truce.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with the mission.
How is a further tour shown?
By a numeral attached to the ribbon.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.