We are working to recognize Nebraska's living Korean War veterans with a special challenge coin. Of the nearly 55,000 Nebraskans who served during the war, an estimated 2,400 are still with us, and our goal is honor as many of them as we can.
Eligibility Requirements
The Korean War Recognition Coin is available to living veterans meeting all the conditions below:
- Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces between June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955;
- Must be a current legal resident of Nebraska or demonstrate Nebraska residency at time of entering service; AND
- Must have discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
To receive your Korean War Veteran Recognition Coin at one of the events listed below or via mail, please complete the form below or complete and submit this PDF application.
2026 Recognition Events
State of Nebraska Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony
On July 24, 2026, NDVA and Governor Pillen hosted a special ceremony at Memorial Stadium to recognize Nebraska's Korean War veterans. Over 80 Korean War veterans were presented with the State of Nebraska’s special recognition coin housed in a blue velvet presentation case (pictured above) in recognition of their service.
Statewide Presentation Ceremonies and Events
For those who were unable to attend NDVA’s Korean War Veterans Armistice Day ceremony, we are working with county veterans service officers (CVSOs), veterans service organizations, and others around the state to provide them with materials to host their own events.
If your organization is interested in helping present these coins to eligible veterans, please reach out to Kira Keller at Kira.Keller@nebraska.gov or 402-471-0940.
These events are not hosted by NDVA, but we are more than happy to assist in registering or providing more information. If there is an event you are interested in on the list below, please reach out to the contact listed or our office at ndva@nebraska.gov.
This list will be updated as events are planned and shared with us so be sure to check back. To reach out to your CVSO and see if they are hosting an event, visit our CVSO directory, or check in with your local veterans service organization post to see if they are planning an event.
Event |
Location |
Date |
Time |
Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nuckolls, Clay Co. Ceremony |
American Legion post 187, Nelson |
8/16 |
3 p.m. CT |
|
South Omaha American Legion |
DAV, 4515 F St, Omaha |
8/22 |
10 a.m. CT |
|
Otoe County Presentation |
Veterans Memorial Building, 810 1st Corso, Nebraska City |
8/22 |
5 p.m. CT |
|
Box Butte & Grant Co. Presentation |
1312 E. 10th St., Alliance |
11/10 |
9 a.m. MT |
Ambassador for Peace Medals
The Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs in South Korea has created the Ambassador for Peace medal to honor and thank Korean War Veterans for their service to the Republic of Korea. Veterans from Nebraska who meet the eligibility requirements listed below can submit their applications to the Korean Consulate in Chicago. Please note: NDVA is not involved in reviewing applications or administering this medal.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the medal, you must have either:
- Served in Korea at some time between June 25th, 1950, to July 27th, 1953, -or-
- Participated in UN peacekeeping operations in Korea before January 1st, 1956
The medal can also be awarded posthumously to immediate family members of a deceased Korean War Veteran who meets the eligibility requirements.
Application
- Ambassador for Peace Medal Application
- A copy of your DD-214 discharge papers or other documentation is required with the application
Submit your completed form via email to chicago@mofa.go.kr or via mail to:
South Korean Consulate General in Chicago
ATTN: Veterans Affairs Team
455 North City Front Plaza Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
For veterans in states other than Nebraska, please contact your state's Veterans' Affairs agency to learn about obtaining a medal.