History
The Second United Nations Emergency Force, UNEF II, was established in October 1973 to supervise the ceasefire between Egyptian and Israeli forces after the war of that year, and then to oversee the disengagement agreements of 1974 and 1975 and the buffer zones they created in the Sinai. Its mandate ran until July 1979.
Australia was among the contributing nations, providing a Royal Australian Air Force helicopter unit to the force, which flew supply, liaison and observation tasks across the desert. The medal is awarded for ninety days' service, with a numeral for 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
Sand centre with dark blue canal lines and UN blue ends.
The ribbon has a wide central band of sand or buff for the Sinai Desert, with two narrow dark blue lines through the middle for the Suez Canal, and a wide bar of United Nations blue at each end.
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 Second United Nations Emergency Force in the Sinai.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between October 1973 and July 1979 qualifies;
- Australia contributed a Royal Australian Air Force helicopter unit; a numeral on the ribbon marks a further tour;
- 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 Egypt Israel Medal 1973-79 awarded for?
Service with the Second United Nations Emergency Force, UNEF II, which supervised the ceasefire and disengagement between Egyptian and Israeli forces in the Sinai from 1973 to 1979.
What was Australia's contribution?
Australia provided a Royal Australian Air Force helicopter unit to the force, flying supply, liaison and observation tasks.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A wide sand centre represents the Sinai Desert, two narrow dark blue lines the Suez Canal, and the United Nations blue ends the United Nations.
How does it differ from the first Sinai force medal?
This is for the second Emergency Force of 1973 to 1979; the first Emergency Force served the Sinai from 1956 to 1967 and had its own ribbon.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with the mission.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.