Korea – Set of Two Orders: Military Service Honor 3rd Class & National Flag 3rd Class
Key Information:
Country: Korea (DPRK)
Type: Set of 2 Badges
Orders Included:
Order of Military Service Honor, 3rd Class – Dimensions approx.: 49.90 x 49.50 mm
Order of the National Flag, 3rd Class – Dimensions approx.: 49.63 x 48.24 mm
Material: Silvered and enameled metal
Period: Mid–20th century (Cold War era)
Condition: Both decorations show wear consistent with age – loss of silvering, enamel chipping, and patina. Original pins present on reverse.
Medal Design & Description
1. Order of Military Service Honor (3rd Class)
Obverse: Five-pointed star with radiating rays, central red medallion with portraits of three soldiers in relief (symbolizing Korean People’s Army).
Reverse: Korean inscription and class designation “제 3 급” (3rd Class).
Heavy silver finish with red enamel details.
2. Order of the National Flag (3rd Class)
Obverse: Multi-rayed star with central red, blue, and white enamel surround, featuring a raised gold star in the center.
Reverse: Korean inscription denoting the order and class “국기훈장 제3급” (National Flag Order, 3rd Class).
Silvered surface with visible enamel highlights.
Historical Significance
These two orders were among the highest decorations of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), awarded to military and political personnel for distinguished service and loyalty to the state. The Order of Military Service Honor specifically recognized long service and defense contributions, while the Order of the National Flag was conferred for outstanding achievements in both civilian and military fields.
Such original mid-century DPRK insignia are rarely available on the collectors’ market, making this set of two a valuable Cold War memorabilia acquisition.