Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
Significance
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 recognises service by Australia's armed forces and Volunteer Defence Corps during World War II.
It was the first distinctive Australian medal in the British system of honours and awards.
History
King George VI created the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 by Royal Warrant in November 1949. The medal was for service by Australians during World War II.
Australians also qualified for British medals and campaign stars.
The qualifying period of service for the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 is 30 days for full-time service and 90 days for part-time service.
The Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 is awarded for service in the 30-year period following World War II. The Australian Service Medal is awarded for service after February 1975.
Past recipients
Since electronic records have been kept, 43,723 awards of the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 have been approved. The actual number of awards is much greater.
How it is awarded
The medal is awarded on behalf of the Governor-General by the Department Defence.
For an application form write to:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
T-1-49
Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Or phone the free-call number: 1800 111 321
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/
There is no post-nominal entitlement for this medal.
Medal design
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a circular nickel-silver medal. The obverse bears the Crown Effigy of the Sovereign.
The reverse of the medal shows the Commonwealth Coat of Arms surrounded by the words 'Australia Service Medal 1939-1945'.
Medal ribbon
The medal ribbon has a central khaki stripe flanked by red stripes. One edge has a dark blue stripe and the other edge has a light blue stripe.
Print fact sheet
The information on this page is available as a printable fact sheet.
- Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 - Fact Sheet - PDF 45KB File
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