History
The Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 was established in December 1997, when the Prime Minister announced its introduction. It was created to give Australian recognition, in retrospect, to the warlike service of Australian Defence Force members and certain other persons in prescribed operations after the Second World War and before February 1975.
During that period, campaign and service medals were issued under the United Kingdom system. When the Australian honours system was introduced in 1975, Australian awards replaced the United Kingdom medals for later service. The Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 was issued retrospectively so that this earlier warlike service also carried an Australian award.
The thirty year period covered numerous conflicts in Australia's region, including the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Indonesian Confrontation and the Vietnam War. The medal is always worn with a clasp naming the theatre or action for which it was awarded.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 is a nickel-silver medal, ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse carries a Federation Star with the inscription THE AUSTRALIAN ACTIVE SERVICE MEDAL 1945-1975 in capital letters. The reverse has a wreath of golden wattle flanking a central horizontal panel for the recipient's details.
The ribbon
A central red stripe, flanked by yellow, then blue, green and purple.
The ribbon is thirty-two millimetres wide, with a central red stripe flanked by yellow stripes, which are in turn flanked by stripes of blue, green and purple. These colours were chosen to represent the ribbon colours of the Imperial awards previously issued for campaign service in this period.
Clasps
The medal is always issued with a clasp naming the theatre or action for which it was awarded. A further award of the medal in another theatre is recognised by an additional clasp. Six clasps have been issued.
Korea
For prescribed warlike service during the Korean War. Recognises members who received, or were entitled to, the Korea Medal.
Malaya
For prescribed warlike service during the Malayan Emergency of 1948 to 1960.
Malaysia
For prescribed warlike service during the Indonesian Confrontation of 1962 to 1966.
Thai-Malay
For prescribed warlike service on the Thai-Malay border during the qualifying periods set out in the Determination.
Thailand
For prescribed warlike service in Thailand during the qualifying periods set out in the Determination.
Vietnam
For prescribed warlike service during the Vietnam War. Recognises members who received, or were entitled to, the Vietnam Medal.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or their delegate. It recognises prescribed warlike service in the qualifying operations of the 1945 to 1975 period.
- the Korea Medal;
- a General Service Medal for service in the Malayan Emergency of 1948 to 1960, or the Indonesian Confrontation of 1962 to 1966;
- the Vietnam Medal, and some categories of the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal.
Order of wear
A clasp naming the theatre or action is issued with the medal, and further awards are recognised by additional clasps worn above previous ones in order of date of receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975 created?
It was established in December 1997 to give Australian recognition, in retrospect, to warlike service in the post war conflicts before February 1975.
Which clasps can the medal carry?
Six clasps have been issued: Korea, Malaya, Malaysia, Thai-Malay, Thailand and Vietnam.
Is it worn instead of the old British medals?
No. It is issued in addition to the United Kingdom campaign medals for the same service.
Who is eligible?
Broadly, veterans who received or were entitled to the Korea Medal, a General Service Medal for the Malayan Emergency or the Indonesian Confrontation, or the Vietnam Medal.
Does the medal have a post-nominal?
No, there is no post-nominal for this medal.
How are further awards shown?
A further award for service in another theatre is recognised by an additional clasp worn above previous ones.