(무공훈장 / mugonghunjang). Instituted in 1950. Grade II, Type I (1950-1963 Issue). Three-piece construction, in silver gilt with red, white and green enamels, measuring 43 mm (w) x 46.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, spotting evident on the red enamelled arms, but all enamels are intact, large five-pointed silver star indicative of Grade II affixed to its original ribbon with pinback, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, exterior in a hunter green thatched-look pattern, label affixed to the front panel on the base inscribed "Col, Drittler 211rA", inside lid in white nylon and bearing eight Korean Hangul characters vertically in gold-coloured ink, the base with a recessed medal bed in navy blue felt, measuring 87.5 mm (w) x 165 mm (h) x 29.5 mm (d), the exterior exhibiting scuffing on the lid and overall wear, the hinged area with peeling of the hunter green covering that exposes the wooden framework of the case along with tape repair, case fair.
Footnotes:
1. The Order of Military Merit was instituted on October 18, 1950, revised in 1963, in 1967 and again in 1973. It is the primary military decoration awarded by the South Korean government and is awarded to military personnel for outstanding conduct during wartime or in a state of emergency, rendering "outstanding military services by participating in an action in time of war or in quasi-state of war or by performing his/her duty equivalent to combat, such as responding to the attack of an enemy in a contact area." It is awarded in five grades: Taegeug I Class, Eulji II Class, Chungmu II Class, Hwarang IV Class and Inheon V Class. Each class has a first, second or third grade, denoted respectively by a gold star, a silver star, or an unadorned ribbon.
2. Frank John Drittler was born on May 17, 1903 and was from Michigan. He served with the United States Air Force during the Second World War and the Korean War. In addition to being a recipient of the Republic of Korea's Order of Military Merit, Chungmu III Class, Grade II, Drittler was also a recipient of the United States' Legion of Merit for actions taken during the Korean War, from Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 283 (June 11, 1952), his citation stating: "The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Frank J. Drittler, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Far East Air Forces in Korea, from 23 July 1951 to 22 May 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Drittler reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." Colonel Frank John Drittler died on December 16, 1964, at the age of 61 and is buried in Grand Lawn Cemetery in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, Plot: Section 4, his grave foot marker inscribed "Frank John Drittler / Michigan / Colonel US Air Force / World War II Korea LM (Legion of Merit) / May 17 1903 Dec 16 1964".