General Description:
Material: Silver or silver-toned metal.
Shape: A four-lobed (clover-like) medal with a raised central portrait and embossed details.
Dimensions: 66.90 x 52.59 mm.
Ribbon: Multi-colored ribbon bordered by the Ethiopian colors (Red, Yellow, and Green); with the two middle stripes being white and blue, representing the colors of the United Nations.
Suspension: A royal crown-shaped connector between the ribbon and the medal.
Obverse (Front) Details:
Central Portrait: A detailed relief of Emperor Haile Selassie in a military uniform, facing left.
Crown: Positioned at the top, featuring intricate Ethiopian motifs.
Side Elements: Two symmetrical eight-pointed stars or radiant emblems, possibly symbolizing guidance or the Ethiopian Order of the Star.
Lower Element: A lion's head in high relief, symbolizing the Lion of Judah, a powerful emblem in Ethiopian history.
Inscriptions: Below the lion, Amharic text is inscribed, translated as “The Lion of Judah hath conquered.”
Reverse (Back) Details:
Amharic Inscription: “We love universal liberty but are enemies of aggression.”
Additional Inscription: At the bottom, another Amharic inscription reads: “KOREA 1952.”
Translation: According to Dennis Gill in The Coinage of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Italian Somalia, the inscription translates to “We love Freedom of Everyone, we are opposed to Aggression – Korea 1942, year of mercy.”
Historical and Cultural Context:
All members of the Kagnew Battalion who served during the war received the Ethiopian “Memorial Medal of the Korean War”. The Ethiopian Government Decree No.12 of 1952 officially instituted the medal to honor their service.
The Kagnew Battalion (ቃኘው የጦር ኃይል) in the Korean War
The term ‘Kagnew’ (ቃኘው) holds two significant meanings:
"To bring order out of chaos" – Symbolizing Ethiopia’s disciplined military forces bringing stability.
"To overthrow" – Representing the Ethiopian warriors' strength in battle, overthrowing opposition forces.
The Kagnew Battalion was Ethiopia’s elite military unit that fought in the Korean War (1951-1954) under the United Nations Command. It was one of the most highly respected and effective units, known for its fearlessness and dedication. The soldiers fought bravely alongside U.S. and UN forces, particularly in battles like Pork Chop Hill and Old Baldy.
Medal Significance:
Awarded to: Ethiopian veterans of the Kagnew Battalion for their service in Korea.
Symbolism: Represents Ethiopia’s international military contribution and commitment to global peace.
Historical Importance: A rare and valuable collector’s item, commemorating Ethiopia’s role in the Korean War and the leadership of Haile Selassie I.
This medal serves as a testament to Ethiopia’s military valor and its role in shaping modern history.