THE UNITED NATIONS MEDAL (UNEF)

Obverse: The United Nations global projection emblem, above which are the letters "UNEF".

Reverse: Plain, with the legend "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE".

Size: 35mm in diameter.

Ribbon: 35mm wide, the ribbon for this medal has a background of a sand or buff colour symbolizing the Sinai with a wide centre band of UN blue. Two thin lines in dark blue and green appear at either side of the ribbon, the blue representing the Suez Canal, and the green, the Nile Valley. Ninety days of service in the Mission was necessary to qualify for award of the medal.

Suspension: The ribbon is threaded through a 12mm diameter ring, which passes through a loop fixed to the top of the piece. The ring will move forwards and backwards.

United Nations Emergency Force. Established in November 1956 to secure and to supervise the cessation of hostilities, including the withdrawal of the armed forces of France, Israel and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from Egyptian territory, and after the withdrawal, to serve as a buffer between the Egyptian and Israeli Forces. The Mission was terminated at the request of Egypt in June 1967. New Zealand military observers were seconded from UNTSO to help establish UNEF.

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