Golani Brigade

GOLANI BRIGADE
Official Medal 2003/5763
1st in the Series of Medals Honoring the Fighting Units of the IDF

The Golani Brigade is the finest and most veteran of the IDF brigades, dating back to the early days of Statehood in 1948. Golani soldiers have participated in all of Israel’s wars and operations – from the Jordan Valley to the Golan Heights. They defended the Golan Heights and the Mr. Hermon outpost during the Yom Kippur War and helped to remove the treat of terror during Operation Peace for the Galilee in 1982. Golani forces were stationed throughout the country during the Intifada and served as a protective wall of defense. The brigade is traditionally known for its sense of brotherhood and fighting spirit. Its emblems are evidence of the deep bond with the country: the earth-colored beret, the badge displaying an olive tree and flag, in shades of Galilee greens and desert yellows.

Obverse: The image of a Golani soldier equipped for battle with an olive tree in the background. The words “My Golani” appear in Hebrew to the right.

Reverse: The Golani emblem embedded on a map of Israel indicating the brigade’s sites; the words “Golani Brigade” appear in Hebrew to the left and a list of the sites are inscribed in Hebrew around the border 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: Avraham Pat, in consultation with Colonel Yom Tov Hazan, Director of the Golan Museum.

Engraving: Bulgaria

Mint: Silver and Bronze medals: Bulgaria. Gold medal: The Government Mint, Israel.