History
The United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador, ONUSAL, was established in May 1991 to verify the agreements between the government of El Salvador and the Frente Farabundo Marti para la Liberacion Nacional, which were bringing to an end the country's long civil war. From 1992 its role expanded to verify the ceasefire and separation of forces, and to monitor public order during the transition while a new national civil police was established. The mission ran until April 1995.
The mission drew military observers and police from many nations. The medal is awarded for ninety days' consecutive service, and there is no bar. As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals, worn by those Australians whose service qualified.
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
White centre, dark blue, and UN blue ends.
The ribbon has five equal bars: a white centre, flanked by dark blue, and at either end United Nations blue; the dark blue and white are the colours of the national flag of El Salvador.
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 Observer Mission in El Salvador.
- Ninety days' consecutive service between May 1991 and April 1995 qualifies;
- There is no bar to the medal; a numeral 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 El Salvador Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador, ONUSAL, established in 1991 to verify the agreements ending the country's civil war, until 1995.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A white centre flanked by dark blue, with United Nations blue at the ends; the dark blue and white are the colours of the national flag of El Salvador.
What did the mission do?
It verified the peace agreements, the ceasefire and separation of forces, and monitored public order during the transition to a new national civil police.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' consecutive service between May 1991 and April 1995.
Is there a bar with this medal?
No; the medal has no bar, though a numeral marks a further tour.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.