Korea, Republic (South Korea). An Order Of Military Merit, Hwarang (Iv Class)

(무공훈장武功勳章). Instituted in 1950. Five-piece construction, in silver gilt with red and blue enamels, hallmarked and numbered "7734" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 50.8 mm (w) x 68.3 mm (h) inclusive of its star and wreath suspension, intact enamels, scattered gilt wear, light contact overall, the helmet insignia loose versus the red centrepiece base, large rosette affixed to its soiled and well worn original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was instituted on October 18, 1950, revised in 1963, 1967 and again in 1973 and is awarded to military personnel for outstanding conduct during wartime or in a state of emergency, in five grades: Taegeug (I Class), Eulji (II Class), Chungmu (III Class), Hwarang (IV Class) and Inheon (V Class).