Colombia - Medal for Service in Overseas Wars (Medalla por Servicios en Guerra Internacional)
Also known as the "Heroes Cross" (Cruz de Hierro) – Korean War Gallantry Award
Key Specifications:
Institution Date: 1952 (Decree No. 182)
Material: Iron Cross-style metal construction
Dimensions: 49.84 mm (height) x 43.90 mm (width)
Awarded for: Acts of gallantry and distinguished leadership in combat (Korean War)
Status: Extremely rare (Only awarded to Colombian troops in the Korean War)
Design Features
Obverse (Front) Details
Raised State Emblem of Colombia, prominently displayed in the center.
Iron Cross design, modeled after Germany’s Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), reflecting valor and heroism.
Reverse (Back) Details
National emblem of South Korea (Taeguk symbol), bordered by four trigrams from the South Korean flag.
Upper & lower horizontal arms of the cross inscribed with:
"Acción Distinguida De Valor" (Distinguished Act of Valor)
"Campaña de Corea" (Korean Campaign)
Ribbon
Original ribbon details (to be confirmed in photos):
Blue, yellow, and red (Colombian national colors)
Centered Taeguk symbol (representing South Korea)
Historical Context
Colombia’s Role in the Korean War (1951–1954)
Colombia was the only Latin American country to send troops to fight in Korea under the United Nations Command (UNC).
A total of 5,100 Colombian military personnel participated, including:
Army: 4,314 soldiers (served in the Colombian Battalion, "Batallón Colombia")
Navy: 786 sailors (served on the destroyer ARC Almirante Padilla in naval operations)
Casualties sustained by Colombia in Korea:
Killed-in-Action (KIA): 163
Wounded-in-Action (WIA): 448
Missing in Action (MIA): 47
Prisoners of War (POWs, later released): 28
Award Criteria & Classes
This gallantry medal was awarded in two distinct grades, both using the same ribbon:
"Cruz de Hierro" (Iron Cross) – For acts of gallantry and distinguished leadership in combat (Higher grade).
"Estrella de Bronce" (Bronze Star) – For meritorious acts on active service (Lower grade).
Official Presentation
117 recipients were awarded the Cruz de Hierro (Iron Cross) at a military parade in Bogotá on November 20, 1954.
Award modeled after foreign decorations:
German Iron Cross (symbolizing courage in battle).
United States Bronze Star (recognizing meritorious service in combat zones).
The Colombian "Cruz de Hierro" (Iron Cross) for the Korean War is an exceptionally rare and historically significant gallantry decoration, awarded exclusively for valor in combat by Colombian troops in Korea.
Given its extremely limited issuance (117 recipients) and its connection to Colombia’s unique role in the Korean War, this medal is a valuable and highly collectible piece of military history.
For authentication and valuation, please refer to the provided photos to assess condition, suspension integrity, and ribbon originality.