Colombia: Medal for Service in Overseas Wars (Medalla por Servicios en Guerra Internacional). Iron Cross, or 'Cruz di Hierro'

Instituted: Decree No 182 of 1952, and to date only awarded for the Korean War

Obverse: The raised state emblem of Colombia

Reverse: Raised national emblems of South Korea, the 'Taeguk' bordered by 4 x trigrams, between the legends 'Accion Distinguida De Valor' & 'Campana de Corea' which latter are on the two horizontal arms of the cross

Dimension: Approx 44mm

Suspension: With double ring suspension as issued

The 'Heroes Cross' or 'Cruz di Hierro' was the highest gallantry decoration awarded to any member of the Columbian Contingent during the Korean War

The decoration was awarded in two grades (from identical ribands but in two distinct designs; 1). The 'Cruz di Hierro' (Iron Cross) for acts of gallantry and distinguished leadership in combat, and 2). The 'Bronze Star' (Estrella de Bronce) for meritorious acts on active service. The same riband - with 'Taeguk' symbol in the centre - and fitted with distinctive integral top riband buckles, was attached to both types of medal. The decorations were both modelled on the foreign decorations, viz 'The Iron Cross' of Germany, and the 'Bronze Star' of the United States

Reference 'Grandes Momentos de Colombia' (Gustavo Castro Caycedo, 2016), at a parade held in Bogata, Colombia, on 20 November 1954, 117 x 'Cruz di Hierro' decorations were presented to those members of the Colombian Contingent who were decorated with this medal for their bravery in the Korean War

The same reference records that a total of 5,100 Colombians served with the Colombian Forces, Army (4314) and Naval (786), in the Korean War, incurring the following casualties;

- Kiled-inAction: 163
- Wounded-in-Action: 448
- Missing: 47
- Prisoners of War (Released): 28

An extremely rare gallantry decoration for the Korean War

Condition: About EF

Code: 22299