Meritorious Unit Citation
- Significance
- History
- Past recipients
- How it is awarded
- Medal design
- Print fact sheet
- More information
Significance
The Meritorious Unit Citation recognises sustained outstanding service in warlike operations.
It is one of two Unit Citations that acknowledge the value of collective effort in military operations. The other award is the Unit Citation for Gallantry.
History
The Meritorious Unit Citation and the Unit Citation for Gallantry were introduced into the Australian Honours System in 1991.
Unlike awards for individuals, recognition of group endeavour has little history in honours systems around the world. The relatively recent tradition of unit citations introduced by the United States in 1942, has prompted broader recognition of collective endeavour.
The Meritorious Unit Citation was formally established on 15 January 1991 by Letters Patent.
Past recipients
During the Australian Defence Force's deployment to East Timor following the 1999 consultation ballot a citation was awarded to:
- Task Unit 645.1.1, Royal Australian Navy - for sustained outstanding service in support of the International Force East Timor during Operation Stabilise.
- 3 Squadron Group, the Special Air Service Regiment, Australian Army - for sustained outstanding service as the Special Air Service Regiment of the Response Force for Operation Warden.
- No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force - for sustained outstanding service during Operation Warden and Operation Stabilise.
Search the Australian Honours List for recipients of the Meritorious Unit Citation.
View the numbers awarded for the Meritorious Unit Citation.
How it is awarded
The Governor-General awards the Meritorious Unit Citation on the recommendation of the Minister for Defence.
Each Citation consists of a certificate of citation to the unit signed by the Governor-General and insignia for each recipient.
Insignia may be awarded posthumously. There are no post-nominal entitlements.
Medal design
Meritorious Unit Citation
The design of a Meritorious Unit Citation is a gilt sterling-silver frame, with a design of flames emanating from the edge to the centre. The frame surrounds a ribbon bar of old gold, which displays a rhodium-silver Federation Star on its centre.
Members who join a unit after the citation is awarded may be entitled to wear the insignia, whilst a member of a unit but without the Federation Star.
Print fact sheet
The information on this page is available as a printable fact sheet.
- Meritorious Unit Citation - Fact Sheet - PDF 63KB | RTF 921KB
Note: For more information on PDF files and their use see the PDF Help page on this site.
More information
For more information on the Meritorious Unit Citation contact:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
T-1-49
Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: 1800 111 321
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/