Australian Service Medal 1939-45

Eligibility

The qualifying period was initially set as a minimum of 18 months full-time service at home or overseas, or at least three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. There was no minimum qualifying period for those killed, wounded or disabled due to service.

On 16 August 1996, the qualifying period was reduced to 30 days for full-time service and 90 days for part-time service.

Description

The Australia Service Medal 1939–1945 is a circular cupro-nickel medal.

The obverse bears the crowned effigy of King George VI, surrounded by the inscription 'GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP'.

The reverse shows the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Australia surrounded by the words 'THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939–1945'.

The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, with edge stripes of dark blue on the left and light blue on the right. The khaki represents the Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Mercantile Marine, Navy and Air Force respectively.

Medals were awarded with the recipient's name impressed on the rim.

Notes

Content has come from a combination of Wikipedia and the Australian Defence Department websites.