France. A Medal For United Nations Operations In Korea

France; Bronze, cornucopia hallmarked and marked "BR" (bronze) on the reverse, 36 mm (w) x 45.2 mm (h), original ribbon, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Commemorative Medal for United Nations Operations in Korea was a French commemorative war medal established on January 8, 1952 by decree 52-34, for award to members of the French armed forces who fought in the Korean war. On June 25, 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea in an effort to unify both countries under the northern communist government. A United Nations military force composed of seventeen nations under the command of American general Douglas MacArthur, soon began to arrive in theatre. France joined the U.N. forces in a August 23rd decision, this force, composed of a battalion of 1,051 volunteers, both reservists and members of the regular force from the three services, set sail from Marseille on October 25, 1950. This battalion was under the command of general Raoul Magrin-Vernerey, who accepted a temporary demotion to lieutenant-colonel for the chance and honour to command this unit in Korea. The French were thrown into the fight immediately upon arrival in theatre and particularly distinguished themselves at the battles of Wonju, Chipyong-ni and Heartbreak Ridge. Out of a total of 3,421 Frenchmen who fought in Korea, 262 were killed, 1008 were wounded and 7 remain unaccounted for. Even with its relatively small contribution in manpower due to the ongoing campaign in Indochina, the French government felt this small force had brilliantly served French interests in the eyes of the World and in the words of a press release "had resurrected the glory of Verdun and of the Marne".