History

The Australia Service Medal was sanctioned by King George VI on December 1, 1949. The Silver Medal is awarded to all members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Australian Mercantile Marine who served overseas between September 3, 1939, and September 2, 1945. Some civilian personnel are also eligible for the award. The Medal initially rewarded 18 months of fulltime service and 3 years of part time service, but in 1996, the qualifying time was reduced to 30 days fulltime service and 90 days of part time service. Service curtailed by death or disability afflicted whilst serving on duty also qualified for award of the Medal.

The Medal features an engraving of the recipient’s name and service numbers.