The National Military Organization (Etzel)
The Etzel organization was established in the year of 1936.
It would be more correct to say that the organization wasn't established, but developed from within the "Hagana" organization after the 1929 pogroms. .
The National Military Oraganization's commander - David Raziel, and the members of the organization opposed and resisted the forbearance policy of the "Hagana" towards the Arabic terror.
They believed in "blood for blood" method in an answer of defence from terror and didn't see themselves as an organization serves under the Jewish Settlement guards, but as an independent organization.
During the Second World War, the Etzel cooperated with the British because they fought against the Nazies.
David Raziel Died during a British secret servise operation in Iraq, in May 1941.
In 1942 Menachem Begin Came to Israel and within a year got the leadership over the organization.
In 1944 Begin declares a rebel against the British and the Etzel starts a constant and fierce rebel against them which lasts until Israel was established in 1948.
Only the the IDF (Zahal) was established, the organization was broken down and it's members joined the army.
Awarded to anyone who was a member of the Etzel for at least six months, between 1937 to the founding of the state in 1948.
Ribbon distribution began in 1979.
Enamel ribbon