History

The Conspicuous Service Medal was instituted on 18 October 1989 to recognise members of the Australian Defence Force who render outstanding service in non-warlike situations. All ranks are eligible to receive this Medal. A total of 1,021 have been awarded.

The obverse of the medal features the stars of the Crux Constellation (formerly known as the Southern Cross) surrounded by a laurel wreath. The reverse of the medal features a design of fluted rays and a rectangular blank panel in the middle for the recipient’s name. The Crown of St. Edward surmounts the medal and attaches to a straight ribbon bar. The ribbon is yellow with diagonal stripes of green.

If a recipient receives a second award, it comes in the form of a nickel-silver clasp. The clasp features a small replica of the medal in the middle with laurel leaves on each side.

Recipients of the Medal are entitled to use the postnominal letters ‘CSM’.