The text on the front states "Participant in the clean-up campaign." The "4A3C" indicates
"Chernobilskaya Nuclear Power Plant."
On April 25th -26th, 1986 the World's worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in the former USSR (now Ukraine). The Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 80 miles north of Kiev had 4 reactors and whilst testing reactor number 4 numerous safety procedures were disregarded. At 1:23am the chain reaction in the reactor became out of control creating explosions and a fireball which blew off the reactor's heavy steel and concrete lid.
The Chernobyl accident killed more than 30 people immediately, and as a result of the high radiation levels in the surrounding 20-mile radius, 135,00 people had to be evacuated.
The geographical position is shown below, map courtesy of World Nuclear Association.
This Medal is unique, as it is the only medal ever issued for participation in a nuclear clean up operation. The first people on site were the firefighters - whom were not issued protective clothing and not informed of any radiation leaks. Unfortunately many of these firefighters have died of massive radiation posioning - or are dying slowly of aftereffects. The effects of Chernobyl where massive - some parts of the United states have had radioactive dust dropped on them. Closer to home Wales, England and Scotland were hit badly - with some sheep still in quarentine.
On April 25th -26th, 1986 the World's worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in the former USSR (now Ukraine). The Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 80 miles north of Kiev had 4 reactors and whilst testing reactor number 4 numerous safety procedures were disregarded. At 1:23am the chain reaction in the reactor became out of control creating explosions and a fireball which blew off the reactor's heavy steel and concrete lid.
The Chernobyl accident killed more than 30 people immediately, and as a result of the high radiation levels in the surrounding 20-mile radius, 135,00 people had to be evacuated.
The geographical position is shown below, map courtesy of World Nuclear Association.
This Medal is unique, as it is the only medal ever issued for participation in a nuclear clean up operation. The first people on site were the firefighters - whom were not issued protective clothing and not informed of any radiation leaks. Unfortunately many of these firefighters have died of massive radiation posioning - or are dying slowly of aftereffects. The effects of Chernobyl where massive - some parts of the United states have had radioactive dust dropped on them. Closer to home Wales, England and Scotland were hit badly - with some sheep still in quarentine.
