Somalia Medal

 

 

Context

The Somalia medal recognises the participation of CF members that have taken part in the coalition mission in Somalia to help stabilise the country from civil war and help deliver humanitarian aid.

Eligibility and criteria

A person enrolled in, attached to, or working with the Canadian Forces may be awarded this medal if the person served a minimum of 90 cumulative days of honourable service in the theatre of operations during the period beginning on 16 November 1992 and ending on 30 June 1993, provided that this service has not been recognized by another medal.

Description

The medal is a circular gold-plated bronze medal, 36 mm diameter:

• in the centre of the obverse appear three maple leaves, in fess and overlapping, above which is inscribed the word "CANADA" and below which appear two sprigs of laurel leaves; and
• on the reverse appears the Royal Cypher surrounded by the inscription "SOMALIA SOMALIE 1992-93".

A 4 mm gold ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through smaller ring attached to the top of the medal.

The ribbon is 32 mm in width and United Nations blue in colour with a central white stripe 22 mm in width, on which are superimposed and centred five stripes: one each of, from left to right, sand, navy blue, scarlet, air force blue, and sand; each stripe being 2.5 mm in width. The blue is the official colour of the United Nations, white is the colour of peace, the sand colour represents the theatre of operations while the dark blue, scarlet, and light blue represent the navy, army, and air force.

Bar(s)

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner:

• on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, between the Gulf and Kuwait Medal and the South-West Asia Service Medal.

Post-nominals

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.

Historical notes

The following is a list of members who have died while serving in the theatre of operations:

• Cpl Abel M.D.

The medal was designed by Captain Bruce Wilbur Beatty, CM, SOM, CD (Retired).

As of 31 December 2025, 1,427 medals have been issued.