History
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in 1949 to recognise the service of members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during the Second World War. It is regarded as the first medal of the Australian honours system.
It was originally awarded to those who served at home or overseas for at least eighteen months full-time, or three years part-time, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, with the mercantile marine required to serve the qualifying time at sea. In 1996 the qualifying time was reduced to thirty days full-time or ninety days part-time, which made many more veterans eligible.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The reverse has the Australian Coat of Arms placed centrally, surrounded by the words THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945. The obverse carries the crowned effigy of King George VI.
The ribbon
A wide khaki centre for the Army, with red, dark blue and light blue for the Merchant Navy, the Navy and the Air Force.
The ribbon has a wide khaki central stripe, flanked by two narrow red stripes, which are in turn flanked by an outer stripe of dark blue and one of light blue. The khaki represents the Australian Army, and the red, dark blue and light blue represent the Merchant Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Eligibility
The medal recognised service by members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during the Second World War.
- Originally eighteen months full-time or three years part-time service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945, reduced in 1996 to thirty days full-time or ninety days part-time;
- The member must have been honourably discharged from the Australian Armed Forces;
- Australian civilians who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945 may also be eligible.
Order of wear
The precise neighbours in the order of wear should be confirmed against the current Australian Order of Wear.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 recognise?
Service by members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine during the Second World War.
When was it instituted?
In 1949. It is regarded as the first medal of the Australian honours system.
How much service was required?
Originally eighteen months full-time or three years part-time between 1939 and 1945. In 1996 this was reduced to thirty days full-time or ninety days part-time.
Could civilians receive it?
Australian civilians who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between December 1941 and September 1945 may be eligible.
Is it the same as the Australian Defence Medal?
No. This medal is specifically for Second World War service, while the Australian Defence Medal recognises later service from 1945.
Does it have clasps?
No.