The Foreign Operational Theaters Commemorative Medal (Médaille Commémorative des Théatres d’Opérations Extérieurs / Herinneringsmedaille voor Buitenlandse Operaties) was promulgated by Royal Decree of 26 September 1951 and signed by King Baudouin. The medal could be awarded posthumously.
The medal was awarded to Belgian citizens and entitled foreigners who served with Belgian Units in the Korean theatre of operations, for one day or more, between 18 December 1950 and 29 July 1953.
There are several clasps and emblems, worn to show each of the theatres involved.
- COREE-KOREA – all volunteers of the Bataillon Belge who qualified for the medal are entitled to this clasp.
- IMJIN – for soldiers of the first Belgian contingent (1951-2) who participated in the fighting in April 1951.
- HAKTANG-NI – for soldiers of the first contingent (1951-2) who participated in the fighting in October 1951.
- CHATKOL for soldiers of the second contingent (1952-3) who participated in the fighting along the bank of the Imjin River in April 1953.
The Foreign Operational Theaters Commemorative Medal Design
The medal measures 5mm in diameter and is circular and struck in bronze.
The obverse bears the emblem with the lion of Belgium in relief. A single red enameled cross is worn by those wounded in action and granted an injury chevron, and a 5 pointed silver star by servicemen returning to duty in Korea after being wounded in action.
