Korean Order of Military Merit

Korean Order of Military Merit is a prestigious award presented by the Government of South Korea to recognize outstanding contributions and bravery of Military of South Korea personnel, as well as members of United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and Canadian Armed Forces who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Korean War effort, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The order is also awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the Republic of Korea's military, such as Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, and Chun Doo-hwan. The Korean Order of Military Merit is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member of the military, alongside the Order of National Security Merit and the Order of Civil Merit, which are awarded by the President of South Korea.

● Introduction

The Korean Order of Military Merit is an order of merit that was established in 1950, during the Korean War, to recognize the bravery and contributions of military personnel who fought against the North Korean Army and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army. The order is awarded in five classes, each with its own unique criteria and requirements, and is presented by the Ministry of National Defense (South Korea), in conjunction with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (South Korea). The order is also closely related to other notable awards, such as the Order of Service Merit, the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, and the Order of Industrial Service Merit, which are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of South Korea's economy, industry, and foreign relations, including Lee Myung-bak, Roh Moo-hyun, and Kim Dae-jung.

● History

The Korean Order of Military Merit was established on October 25, 1950, during the Korean War, by the National Assembly of South Korea, with the support of the United Nations Command and the United States Department of Defense. The order was created to recognize the bravery and contributions of military personnel who fought against the North Korean Army and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, including notable battles such as the Battle of Osan and the Battle of Pusan Perimeter. The first awards were presented in 1950 to members of the South Korean military, as well as to members of the United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and Canadian Armed Forces who had fought alongside them, including General Douglas MacArthur, General Matthew Ridgway, and General Mark W. Clark. The order has since been awarded to over 10,000 individuals, including Park Chung-hee, Chun Doo-hwan, and Roh Tae-woo, who have made significant contributions to the development of South Korea's military and national security.

● Classes

The Korean Order of Military Merit is awarded in five classes, each with its own unique criteria and requirements. The classes are: Tongil Medal, Ulchi Medal, Chungmu Medal, Hwarang Medal, and Inheon Medal. The Tongil Medal is the highest class of the order and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the development of the Republic of Korea's military, such as Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee. The Ulchi Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding bravery and leadership in combat, including Battle of Inchon and Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The Chungmu Medal is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the South Korean military, including General Paik Sun-yup and General James Van Fleet. The Hwarang Medal is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Korean War effort, including Battle of Osan and Battle of Pusan Perimeter. The Inheon Medal is the lowest class of the order and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the Republic of Korea's national security, including Lee Myung-bak and Roh Moo-hyun.

● Eligibility

The Korean Order of Military Merit is awarded to members of the Military of South Korea, as well as to members of the United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and Canadian Armed Forces who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Korean War effort. The order is also awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of the Republic of Korea's military and national security, including Government of South Korea officials, such as Prime Minister of South Korea and Minister of National Defense (South Korea). The order is presented by the Ministry of National Defense (South Korea), in conjunction with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (South Korea), and is approved by the President of South Korea, including Moon Jae-in and Park Geun-hye.

● Notable Recipients

The Korean Order of Military Merit has been awarded to many notable individuals, including Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, and Chun Doo-hwan, who have made significant contributions to the development of the Republic of Korea's military and national security. Other notable recipients include General Douglas MacArthur, General Matthew Ridgway, and General Mark W. Clark, who played key roles in the Korean War effort, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The order has also been awarded to Lee Myung-bak, Roh Moo-hyun, and Kim Dae-jung, who have made significant contributions to the development of South Korea's economy, industry, and foreign relations, including G20 Seoul summit and ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit.

● Ceremony and Insignia

The Korean Order of Military Merit is presented in a formal ceremony, which is attended by the President of South Korea, the Prime Minister of South Korea, and other high-ranking government officials, including Minister of National Defense (South Korea). The ceremony is held at the Blue House, which is the official residence of the President of South Korea, and is accompanied by a formal insignia, which is worn by the recipient on formal occasions, including Korean Armed Forces Day and National Liberation Day of Korea. The insignia is a medal that is suspended from a ribbon, and is adorned with a symbol of the Republic of Korea's military, including the Emblem of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and the Flag of South Korea. The order is also closely related to other notable awards, such as the Order of National Security Merit, the Order of Civil Merit, and the Order of Service Merit, which are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of South Korea's national security, economy, and industry.

Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of South Korea