Great Fatherland Liberation War Commemorative Medal 1950-1953.

[CtahhR]

Here is the Great Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953 Commemorative Medal (위대한조국해방전쟁을기념메달 1950-1953) awarded to veterans of the War in Korea. The Medal is constructed from Copper-Nickel and the design features two soldiers advancing with a PPSH-41 Type 49 under the national banner, supported by a T-34 of the 105th Tank Brigade and a pair of Mikoyan-Gurevich fighters (probably supposed to be a MIG-15). There are two variations of this Medal due to the design being simplified. The original variation has a stream of what seems to be smoke just over the horizon, a feature that is omitted in the later Type. The first type also has different shaped holes on the barrel of the PPSH. This is the second variation of the first type, noticeable by the slanted ᅮ in the first character group.

I chose this particular Medal to photograph as it shows (insect?) damage to the Ribbon and the corrosion on the suspension due to a prolonged period in a poor "atmosphere".

[CtahhR]

This simplified variation of the Medal is missing the stream of "smoke" and the PPSH has 4 holes on the barrel.

[CtahhR]

Here is the first variation of the first type of the Commemorative Medal "Great Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953" noticeable by the straighter ᅮ on the first character group and a slightly smaller star.

[Esteban_cool]

What´s the difference in the awarding criteria between this medal and the other commemorative KW medal?

[CtahhR]

Here is another variation. Most noticeable is the difference in the flag.
The reverse has been double struck too adding to its curiosity.

[CtahhR]

Another image of the "simplified" variation. This particular Medal being in a very tidy condition indeed. Also very obviously not silver.

[CtahhR]

Here is a Chinese fake.

Note (along with many other things) the Chinese text on the reverse.

[CtahhR]

Here is the document for the Medal. I have blanked all the information but it is a fine example of what it looks like. This one was awarded in 1968 by which time over 300,000 had been awarded.

This from a group of One Order and Four Medals to a DPRK Soldier born in 1924.

The document reads;

"조선인민의 조국해방전쟁에 첨가하여 적 과의 투쟁에서 공로가 있으므로 조선민주주의인민공화국 최고인민회의 상임위원 회 명의로 조국해방전쟁기 념메달을 수여 하였음을중 명함

조선민주주의인민공화국
최고인민회의상임위원회
년 월 일"

"Certificate of the awarding of the Great Fatherland Liberation War 1950-1953 Commemorative Medal in the name of the standing committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea for merits in the struggle with enemies, contributing to the Fatherland Liberation War of the Korean people

The Presidium Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic Of Korea

Year Month Day"

[CtahhR]

The "simplified" variation with a better, deeper strike.

[CtahhR]

Here is another variation of the second "simplified" Type with the reverse star and text considerably higher.