Unit Citations Awarded to New Zealand Military Units - The Korean Presidential Unit Citation
About the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
In November 1951 the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation was awarded by Syngman Rhee, the President of South Korea, to 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery in recognition of their distinguished service at Kap'yong in April 1951. In March 2011, His Excellency the Governor-General gave permission for this citation to be formally accepted and worn by eligible recipients.
Those who served with 16th Field Regiment in Korea between 15 December 1950 and 1 November 1951 may permanently wear this citation. Current service members of 16th Field Regiment may wear the citation as a dress distinction only while they serve with 16th Field Regiment.
The Korean Presidential Unit Citation is worn on the right breast, with the red part of the taeguk (circle) uppermost.
About the insignia of the award
The insignia of the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation consists of a gold-plated rectangular frame 32 millimetres wide and 15 millimetres deep embossed with a design of laurel leaves. Inside the frame is a white ribbon bar with vertical stripes of green, white, red, white, red, white and green on each edge, and the red and blue taeguk (circle) of the Republic of Korea in the centre of the ribbon.
Order of Wear
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is not included in the Order of Wear. This is because the insignia is worn on the right breast rather than the left breast.
Applying for the issue of the unit citation insignia
Applications for the issue of the unit citation insignia are being administered by the NZDF Medals Office. Please follow the instructions on our application forms and general enquiries page. Next-of-kin may apply for the insignia if the eligible ex-Service person is deceased.
Media Statement concerning the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
- 26 May 2011 - Heroic Regiment receives Korean citation
Further information on the Battle of Kap'yong in April 1951
- 24 April 2011 - 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Kap'yong (media release by the NZ Minister of Defence)
Further information on New Zealand's involvement in the Korean War
- 27 June 2011 - Minister honours Korean War veterans (media release by the NZ Minister of Veterans' Affairs)