History
The United Nations Special Service Medal was created to recognise service with a United Nations mission or organisation for which no specific United Nations medal exists, filling the gaps left by the many mission medals. It is awarded for ninety days of qualifying service, and service at United Nations Headquarters is not eligible.
Because it covers many different activities, the medal is worn with a bar naming the country or organisation of the service, such as a bar for a particular observer or humanitarian operation. Australians have received it for a range of United Nations tasks not marked by a mission medal of their own. 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 with white edges, with a naming bar.
The ribbon is a broad band of United Nations blue with a white stripe at each edge. A bar on the ribbon names the country or organisation of the service.
Clasps
A bar on the ribbon names the country or organisation of the qualifying service.
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 a United Nations mission or organisation not covered by a specific United Nations medal.
- Ninety days of qualifying service is required; service at United Nations Headquarters is not eligible;
- A bar on the ribbon names the country or organisation of the service, such as a particular observer, verification or humanitarian operation;
- 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 United Nations Special Service Medal?
A United Nations medal for service with a mission or organisation not covered by a specific United Nations medal, filling the gaps left by the mission medals.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days of qualifying service; service at United Nations Headquarters is not eligible.
What does the naming bar do?
A bar on the ribbon names the country or organisation of the service, so the medal records which particular United Nations task was undertaken.
Did Australians receive it?
Yes, for a range of United Nations tasks not marked by a mission medal of their own.
What does the ribbon look like?
A broad band of United Nations blue with a white stripe at each edge.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed, though the bar identifies the service.