Merkava Mark IV

THE MERKAVA MARK IV TANK
STATE MEDAL 5764/2004
11th in the “Tanks that Made History” Series

Just as the Israeli Air Force controls the skies of the country and protects from above, the Armored Corps ensures ground protection. This series of medals is dedicated to the Armored Corps and salutes “the soldier in the tank” – the tens of thousands of men and women who have served and fought in the Armored Corps since the establishment of the State of Israel. The Merkava project began in the early 1970’s, led by Major-General Israel Tal, with the development and production of the Merkava Mark I that was first used in combat during the First Lebanon War in 1982. The Merkava Mark IV was developed in order to gain and maintain long term advantages over any other tank. The upgrading included innovations such as a 120 mm tank gun, qualitative improvements in the fire control system, a new 1,500 Hp motor, modular protection and additional survival means. The tank is listed among the most advanced tanks in the world, if not at the top of the list. It was first exposed in June 2002 and since then, has been actively involved in military operations.

Obverse: The Merkava Tank in motion along mountainous terrain; “MERKAVA 4” is inscribed in Hebrew and English along the bottom section of the medal.

Reverse: A war chariot from the period of Israel’s Kings with the words and source in Hebrew and English “Chariots of Salvation”, “Habakkuk 8”; the Armored Corps emblem appears in the lower part of the medal.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and metal.

Designer: Eliezer Weishoff.

Engraving: Eliezer Weishoff.

Mint: Hecht Ltd., Israel.