The United Nations Operation in Somalia Medal honors military personnel who carried out service as part of an unarmed, uniformed observation group designed to monitor the ceasefire in Mogadishu. Personnel additionally provided security for UN members and supplies in Somalia. Later, the UN Security Council authorized a larger force, adding four units and eventually approving the use of any means necessary to establish peace and stability.
The two terms of eligibility for the Somalia Medal are between 1992 and 1993 and between 1993 and 1995.