United Nations East Timor Medal

History

This medal recognises service with the United Nations missions that oversaw East Timor's passage to independence: the Assistance Mission, UNAMET, which conducted the 1999 vote for independence; the Transitional Administration, UNTAET, established in October 1999, which effectively governed the territory and built its institutions; and the follow-on Mission of Support, UNMISET. One medal, with one ribbon, covers all three, and it was established on 9 December 1999.

East Timor was the largest Australian military deployment since the Vietnam War. Australia led the multinational force that restored order in 1999, and then provided the core of UNTAET's military component as the new nation was built. The medal was awarded for ninety days' service; the earlier Australian-led force that entered in September 1999 was recognised by its own separate medal, and service with that force alone does not qualify for this United Nations award. As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.

Design & ribbon

The medal

The medal follows the standard United Nations design: a circular bronze medallion 35 millimetres in diameter, the obverse bearing the emblem of the United Nations, a world map seen from the north pole within a wreath of olive branches, surmounted by the letters UN. The reverse carries the words IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE in relief. United Nations medals are issued unnamed, and the mission is identified by the colours of the ribbon.

The ribbon

UN blue, crimson and sunrise yellow, white centre.

The ribbon has two outer bands of United Nations blue for the presence of the United Nations, then a band of crimson and a band of sunrise yellow on each side for the brilliant sunrises and sunsets of East Timor, and a central white stripe for peace and hope.

Clasps

Eligibility

The medal is awarded for service with the United Nations missions in East Timor from 1999.

• Ninety days' service with UNAMET, UNTAET or UNMISET qualifies; Australia led the international effort and provided the core of the military component;
• Service with the separate Australian-led international force of 1999, recognised by its own medal, does not by itself qualify for this United Nations award;
• A numeral on the ribbon marks a further tour. As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.

Order of wear

United Nations medals are awarded by the United Nations and accepted and worn by Australians who served the mission. In the Australian Order of Wearing they are worn after Australian honours and campaign awards, among the foreign awards, in the sequence set for United Nations service, which generally follows the dates of the missions.

Frequently asked questions