United Nations Korea Medal awarded to William Hamment
Date1950-1953
Object number00046502
NameMedal
MediumMetal, ribbon
DimensionsOverall: 86 x 40 x 4 mm, 41 g
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from William Hamment
DescriptionUnited Nations Medal for Korea awarded to Harry Owen Hamment for naval service in Korea. Harry Owen Hamment served as Petty Officer on HMAS SYDNEY III. The aircraft carrier was deployed to Korea from November 1953 until June 1954 and worked under UN command. Those who served in Korea between 18 July 1953 to 26 July 1954 received this medal. It is a circular medal of bronze alloy. The obverse depicts the 'World in a Wreath' emblem of the United Nations and the reverse has the inscription 'FOR SERVICE IN DEFENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS'.HistoryThe Korean War commenced on 25 June 1950 when North Korean forces launched an invasion of South Korea. The country had been divided at the 17th parallel following World War II. Numerous countries came to the aid of South Korea and fought as part of a UN multinational force against North Korea. Australia deployed Army units, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Navy. On 27 July 1953 an Armistice was signed. The presence of Australians continued with a peacekeeping force until 1957. HMA Ships TOBRUK, MURCHISON, SHOALHAVEN, CONDAMINE and SYDNEY III all returned to complete second tours between July 1953 and 1955.
Harry Owen Hamment was born on 21 June 1927 in the town of Hamilton, New South Wales. He joined the Royal Australian Navy on 26 May 1952 and served for a six year period. He initially trained at HMAS CERBERUS and was transferred to HMAS PENGUIN in April 1953. He joined the RAN's flagship HMAS AUSTRALIA in May 1953. Hamment joined the crew of the aircraft carrier HMAS SYDNEY III in 1953 and worked as an Engine Room Artificer. He passed the relevant exams and was granted his Engine Room Watch Certificate in June 1954. The vessel was serving in Korean waters as part of the United Nations operation from late 1953 until June 1954. Petty Officer Hamment was assigned to HMA BARCOO, HMA TARANGAU, FREMANTLE and ALBATROSS during the second half of his naval career. He was discharged from the RAN in May 1958, having served for a six year period.SignificanceThe UN Korea Medal provides evidence of the official recognition awarded to Australian naval personnel who participated in the international deployment in Korea led by the United Nations.
