Nepal - Kingdom of: A remarkable group of 12 awards to a highly decorated serviceman, who was decorated by the Nepalese Army, Air Force, Royal Guard, Police and Civil authorities during a career spanning the 1970’s through to the early 2000’s, he being decorated with the Decoration of Merit 3rd Class, the Army Medal for Bravery in Public Order Actions, the Police Gallantry Decoration, the Air Force Service Medal, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and the Public Service Medal, in a career which saw him operating a high altitude in the Himalayas and overseas, he having been a part of the Nepalese contingent operating with the United Nations Peacekeeping and Security Forces in the Lebanon.
Group of 12 comprising - Medal for the Coronation of King Bīrendra 1975, correct ribbon; Decoration of Merit, 3rd Class in Bronze, correct ribbon; King Bīrendra-Queen Aishwarya Service Medal 2001-2006, correct ribbon; Army Medal for Bravery in Public Order Actions, correct ribbon; Police Gallantry Decoration, correct ribbon; Remote Area Himalayan Service Medal, correct ribbon; Overseas Service Medal, correct ribbon; Air Force Service Medal, correct ribbon; Police Medal for Meritorious Service, correct ribbon; Royal Guards Service Medal, correct ribbon; Public Service Medal, correct ribbon; United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon Medal. Court mounted as worn.
Condition: Very Fine.
The Medal for the Coronation of King Bīrendra was instituted in 1975 to mark the coronation of King Bīrendra Bīr Bikram Śāh (1945-2001) as King of Nepal. King Bīrendra succeeded to the throne on the death of his father on 31 January 1972 but was not crowned until 1975. He was assassinated on 1 June 2001 together with Queen Aishwarya and nine other members of the royal family, allegedly by Crown Prince Dipendra who died a few days later from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The Nepalese monarchy was abolished in June 2008.
The Decoration of Merit was instituted on 10 July 1962, was awarded to any person who performed important national work or who rendered important aid during times of a natural disaster. It was awarded in three classes.
The King Bīrendra-Queen Aishwarya Service Medal 2001-2006 was instituted in 2001 to be awarded for service to the development of Nepal. The King and Queen were assassinated on 1 June 2001 and the Nepalese monarchy was abolished in June 2008, the medal falling into abeyance. Queen Aishwarya was reputed to be the dominant partner and it is interesting to note that she is in front of the King on the medal. The medal, issued for a short time and in such circumstances, is rare.
The Army Medal for Bravery in Public Order Actions was instituted on 26 December 1963 and awarded to officers and NCOs of the Army for acts of bravery at the risk of life for the maintenance of peace in time of internal distrubance or disorder in the Kingdom of Nepal.
The Police Gallantry Decoration was instituted on 9 June 1965 and awarded to police officers for acts of gallantry.
The Remote Area Himalayan Service Medal was instituted in 1963 to be awarded for service in extreme conditions at altitude in the Himalayas. Following the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in June 2008, the Medal is no longer awarded and is not often found.
The Overseas Service Medal was instituted in 1963 to be awarded to members of the Royal Nepalese forces for service overseas. The Nepalese armed forces have served with distinction in a number of United Nations missions, including UNIFIL in Lebanon, UNOSOMII in Somalia, UNMIH in Haiti, UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone and UNMIS in the Sudan. Following the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in June 2008, the Medal is no longer awarded and is not often found.
The Air Force Service Medal was instituted on 8 June 1966 to be awarded for distinguished service in the Nepalese Army Air Service. The Service became a separate air force unit in 1979 but was subsequently reabsorbed into the army. The Service has transport and supply capabilities but no offensive aircraft. It numbers no more than 500 members and the medal is in consequence very rare.
The Police Medal for Meritorious Service was instituted on 9 June 1965 by King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev to be awarded for meritorious service in the Nepalese police service. Following the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in June 2008, the medal is no longer awarded and is not often found.
The Royal Guards Service Medal was instituted in 1977 by King Birendra and awarded for service as a palace guard. Following the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy in June 2008, the medal is not longer awarded and it is not often found.
The Public Service Medal was instituted in 1977 to be awarded for public service, the medal is no longer awarded.
The United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon Medal was instituted in March 1978 and awarded for ninety days’ service in the UNIFIL Mission to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, to restore international peace and security, and to assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area. The Mission continues to the present day.
