United Nations Lebanon-Syria ( UNOGIL )

UNOGIL was set up by Security Council resolution 128 (1958) of 11 June 1958, which decided to “dispatch urgently an observation group to proceed to Lebanon so as to ensure that there is no illegal infiltration of personnel or supply of arms or other matériel across the Lebanese borders”.

The role of UNOGIL was strictly limited to observation. It was not UNOGIL's task to mediate, arbitrate or forcefully to prohibit illegal infiltration, although it was hoped that its very presence on the borders would deter any such traffic. It was decided that the Group should discharge its duties by the following methods:

(a) The UNOGIL military observers would conduct regular and frequent patrols of all accessible roads from dawn to dusk, primarily in border districts and the areas adjacent to the zones held by the opposition forces;

(b) A system of permanent observation posts was to be established and manned by military observers. The observers were to check all reported infiltration in their areas and to observe any suspicious development;

(c) An emergency reserve of military observers was to be stationed at headquarters and main observation posts for the purpose of making inquiries at short notice or investigating alleged instances of smuggling;

(d) An evaluation team was to be set up at headquarters to analyse, evaluate and coordinate all information received from observers and other sources;

(e) Aerial reconnaissance was to be conducted by light aeroplanes and helicopters, the former being equipped for aerial photography;

(f) The Lebanese Government would provide the Observation Group with all available information about suspected infiltration. The Group would also request the military observers to make specific inquiries into alleged activities as occasion required.

After the conflict had been settled, tensions eased and UNOGIL was withdrawn. The withdrawal was completed by 9 December 1958.

Design

The medal is a circular medal of bronze alloy. The obverse depicts the ‘World-in-a Wreath’ emblem of the UN and the reverse has the inscription: ‘FOR SERVICE IN DEFENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS’.