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Why was this medal made?

This medal was created to honor the brave Australians who served full-time between September 1939 and September 1945. Many people worked hard inside Australia to defend our shores or protect the skies, even if they never traveled to a foreign battlefield. These jobs were very important for keeping the country safe from enemies during the long war. The medal ensured these heroes were formally thanked for their service alongside those who fought overseas.

Who created the medal?

King George VI officially started this medal in November 1949. This was a very special moment because it was the first general service medal made just for Australians. It showed how much Australia did to help during the Second World War. By creating it four years after the war ended, the King helped make sure the hard work of these veterans would never be forgotten.

Did a person have to fight overseas to get it?

No, you did not have to leave Australia to earn this medal. Many people served in the military or on merchant ships right here at home to keep the country safe from harm. People who watched the skies or worked at home bases were just as important as those who fought abroad. The medal was designed to recognize the time and dedication of all those who served our nation during the war.

What does the medal depict?

The front of the medal shows the official Australian Coat of Arms. This symbol represents the history, strength, and pride of our nation. It is a sign of honor that soldiers would recognize right away as a mark of their hard work. Having this image on the medal makes it a proud reminder of their duty to Australia.

Is this medal still awarded today?

This medal is not given out for new work because the war ended back in 1945. Today, it is only given to veterans or the families of those who served but did not get their medal a long time ago. Many people apply for one to keep in their home as a way to remember a grandfather or grandmother. It remains a precious treasure that honors a family member who served during a time of great need.

Why was this medal made?

This medal was created to honor the brave Australians who served full-time between September 1939 and September 1945. Many people worked hard inside Australia to defend our shores or protect the skies, even if they never traveled to a foreign battlefield. These jobs were very important for keeping the country safe from enemies during the long war. The medal ensured these heroes were formally thanked for their service alongside those who fought overseas.

Who created the medal?

King George VI officially started this medal in November 1949. This was a very special moment because it was the first general service medal made just for Australians. It showed how much Australia did to help during the Second World War. By creating it four years after the war ended, the King helped make sure the hard work of these veterans would never be forgotten.

Did a person have to fight overseas to get it?

No, you did not have to leave Australia to earn this medal. Many people served in the military or on merchant ships right here at home to keep the country safe from harm. People who watched the skies or worked at home bases were just as important as those who fought abroad. The medal was designed to recognize the time and dedication of all those who served our nation during the war.

What does the medal depict?

The front of the medal shows the official Australian Coat of Arms. This symbol represents the history, strength, and pride of our nation. It is a sign of honor that soldiers would recognize right away as a mark of their hard work. Having this image on the medal makes it a proud reminder of their duty to Australia.

Is this medal still awarded today?

This medal is not given out for new work because the war ended back in 1945. Today, it is only given to veterans or the families of those who served but did not get their medal a long time ago. Many people apply for one to keep in their home as a way to remember a grandfather or grandmother. It remains a precious treasure that honors a family member who served during a time of great need.

Home Library AustraliaAustralian Service Medal 1939-1945

Campaign medal

Australian Service Medal 1939-1945

A World War II medal honoring Australians who served full-time in the armed forces.

Australia Established 1949 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after the British War Medal 1939-1945

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for service in the armed forces and mercantile marine between September 1939 and September 1945.

Eligibility

Australian military personnel and merchant mariners who completed the required days of wartime service.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after the British War Medal 1939-1945

Australian Service Medal 1939-1945, Campaign medal, Australia medal

History

The Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 was instituted in November 1949 by King George VI to recognize Australian military service during the Second World War. It was the first distinctly Australian general service medal created specifically for home and overseas war efforts.

During World War II, many Australians served in home defense, air patrol, or local stations without qualifying for foreign campaign stars. This medal ensured their vital contribution was formally recognized alongside British service medals.

Originally, personnel had to serve 18 months full-time or three years part-time to qualify. In later decades, qualifying times were lowered so more veterans could receive recognition for their service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Vietnam

Vietnam Medal Australian Service Medal 1939-1945

Peter Badcoe

Who Was Peter Badcoe?

A decorated Australian officer who died heroically in the Vietnam War.

Australia23 February 1967

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Sources

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