History
The United Nations Operation in the Congo, known by its French initials ONUC, was established in 1960 to help the newly independent Congo through the crisis that followed independence: to oversee the withdrawal of Belgian forces, provide technical assistance, prevent civil war and maintain law and order. It grew into one of the largest and most difficult of the early United Nations operations, and ran until 1964.
Australia was among the contributing nations, providing personnel to the mission in 1960 and 1961, in one of Australia's early peacekeeping commitments. The Australian War Memorial holds examples of the medal awarded for this service. The medal was awarded for the qualifying period of service. 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
Green with UN blue edges and white stripes.
The ribbon is green with United Nations blue edges and narrow white edge stripes.
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 Operation in the Congo.
- The qualifying period of service with the mission between 1960 and 1964 is required; Australia contributed personnel in 1960 and 1961;
- The mission oversaw the withdrawal of Belgian forces and worked to prevent civil war and maintain order;
- 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 Congo Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Operation in the Congo, ONUC, established in 1960 to oversee the withdrawal of Belgian forces, prevent civil war and maintain order in the newly independent Congo, running until 1964.
What was Australia's role?
Australia contributed personnel to the mission in 1960 and 1961, one of its early peacekeeping commitments; the Australian War Memorial holds examples of the medal.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
Green with United Nations blue edges and narrow white edge stripes.
Is this the same as the later Congo missions?
No; this is the original Congo operation of the 1960s, distinct from the later United Nations missions in the same country.
What is the qualifying period?
The set qualifying period of service with the mission.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.