8 January 1958 marks the day on which the last Australian servicemen departed from Korea as part of the United Nations force that resisted the North Korean invasion. Even though a ceasefire was signed in July 1953, Australian forces remained in South Korea as part of the multi-national peacekeeping force until 1958.
The Korean War is often described as the ‘forgotten war’ in a century that witnessed Australian involvement in two World Wars and a protracted conflict in Vietnam. However, Australia’s contribution to this Cold War conflict was significant: over 17,000 Australians served, 340 were killed, over 1,216 wounded and 29 were prisoners of war.
The conflict produced many notable military events and milestones in Australia’s military history including the battles of Kapyong and Maryang San, the RAAF’s contribution through No. 77 Squadron and the operational support provided by RAN vessels.
Recently, Australian veterans of the Korean War were authorised to wear the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. The medal was issued by South Korea in 1950, but only authorised for wear by Australians on 6 April 2017.
Discover replica medals and find out more about our mounting services today.
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