North Korean - Order of Soldier’s Honor 2nd cl

[John F.]

Hello:

I thought I would share my latest eBay find. It is a North Korean Order of Soldier's Honor - 2nd class. This piece is Soviet made with a screw-back fastener and is a 1950 (Korean War) emission. It was awarded for personal bravery during time-of-war and/or outstanding service during the same that lead to a successful operation or mission. By the looks of this order it was probably modeled after the Soviet Order of the Patriotic War.

The enamel on the red star is flawless and the wreath still shows a decent amount of gilt. Anyone else have any N. Korean awards?

Best,
John

[Gerd Becker]

Beautiful piece, John

[desantnik]

Is it just me, or does it appear that there are three hand-done, scratched Korean symbols/letters?

[John F.]

Is it just me, or does it appear that there are three hand-done, scratched Korean symbols/letters?

No it's not you...there are hand scratched Korean characters on the reverse. I am in the process of getting it translated, but my guess is that it is going to be the recipients name.

John

[Christophe]

John,

Is there a serial number ? I can't see it on the pic...
BTW, a nice order !!

Ch.

[John F.]

John,

Is there a serial number ? I can't see it on the pic...
BTW, a nice order !!

Ch.

Hi Christopher, no serial number.

John

[Garulfo]

Very nice award, John

Here is my Soviet made Order of the National Flag, 2nd class (number 1278)

[Garulfo]

reverse :

[John F.]

Hi Francois:

Very nice . Do you know what it was awarded for? Here are a couple more North Korean medals that I have.The first one is the NKPA Military Merit Medal and the second one is the Meritorious Service Medal.

[Garulfo]

The order of the National Flag was the highest order in North Korea before the establishement of the Order of Kim Il Sung in 1972. This order was established in three classes on 12 october 1948. It is awarded to individuals and groups/organisations who have performed with distinguished service or meritorious achievement in the struggle for national development and in the struggle for the nation's freedom and independence. This award is also given to indivuals who have 25 (1st class), 20 (2nd class) and 15 (3rd class) years of distinguished service in Korean Workers Party.

from : "Orders and decorations of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea" by David L. Cabral, OMSAM, 2000, ISBN 189074153

Fatherland Liberation War Commemoration Medal. established on 13 august 1953 "to commemorate the historical victory of the Korean Peoples righteous Fatherland Liberation War which protected the Fatherland's freedom and independence and opposed the United States and British imperialists armed invasion"

[John F.]

Francois: Thanks! Does the book by chance mention what the two medals that I posted were awarded for?

I think if North Korea goes the way of the former European Communist governments that these medals and orders are going to be the next big military collectable.

[Garulfo]

Military merit Medal : established on 13 june 1949 to be awarded to soldiers with more than ten years service and in recognition of their meritorious achievement in combat. yours is the current version established in the 80's.

Meritorious Service Medal : established on 13 june 1949 to be awarded to those who have achieved excellent results in developping the peoples economy for national prosperity, strong revolutionary zeal, and who have demonstrated creative ideas in the development of North Korean culture and arts.

This book is very good if you are interested by North Korean awards. They are not all illustrated (the more recent ones), and the illustrations are black and white photocopies, but an interesting book on a unusual subject.

I'm less optimistic than you about the evolution in North Korea.

[John F.]

I'm less optimistic than you about the evolution in North Korea.

If you notice I used the word "if" in my assessment of North Korea. I'm sure Kim Jong il will do everything in his power to stay on top.

Thanks for the explanation on the medals, I think I will need to purchase that book.

Best,
John

[81REDSTAR]

What a good medal.

[Gerd Becker]

order of the National Flag 3rd class

Here is my order of the National Flag 3rd class, a late version. Not soviet made, but a nice piece though.

best,
Gerd