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What rank level is the New Zealand Gallantry Medal?

This medal is the fourth-highest honor for bravery in the New Zealand military. It was created in 1999 as part of a new system for the country. It is given to recognize service members who show great courage during dangerous combat missions.

What post-nominal letters do recipients carry?

People who earn this medal are allowed to write the letters NZGM after their name. These letters stand for New Zealand Gallantry Medal. It is a special way to show others that the person was brave while serving their country in a difficult situation.

Does rank matter when earning this medal?

Rank does not matter for this award at all. In the past, the British system gave different medals based on whether a person was an officer or an enlisted soldier. In 1999, New Zealand changed the rules so that everyone is treated the same for their brave actions.

What earlier medal did this award replace?

This medal replaced older awards from the British system, such as the Military Medal and the Distinguished Flying Medal. Those older medals were used for a long time, including during both World War I and World War II. The new medal helps New Zealand show its own pride by using its own independent awards.

Can it be awarded during international peacekeeping missions?

Yes, soldiers can earn this medal while serving in other countries on difficult missions. It has been awarded to troops who were very brave during the East Timor crisis and the war in Afghanistan. It is given whenever a soldier faces real danger on the job, no matter where in the world they are serving.

What rank level is the New Zealand Gallantry Medal?

This medal is the fourth-highest honor for bravery in the New Zealand military. It was created in 1999 as part of a new system for the country. It is given to recognize service members who show great courage during dangerous combat missions.

What post-nominal letters do recipients carry?

People who earn this medal are allowed to write the letters NZGM after their name. These letters stand for New Zealand Gallantry Medal. It is a special way to show others that the person was brave while serving their country in a difficult situation.

Does rank matter when earning this medal?

Rank does not matter for this award at all. In the past, the British system gave different medals based on whether a person was an officer or an enlisted soldier. In 1999, New Zealand changed the rules so that everyone is treated the same for their brave actions.

What earlier medal did this award replace?

This medal replaced older awards from the British system, such as the Military Medal and the Distinguished Flying Medal. Those older medals were used for a long time, including during both World War I and World War II. The new medal helps New Zealand show its own pride by using its own independent awards.

Can it be awarded during international peacekeeping missions?

Yes, soldiers can earn this medal while serving in other countries on difficult missions. It has been awarded to troops who were very brave during the East Timor crisis and the war in Afghanistan. It is given whenever a soldier faces real danger on the job, no matter where in the world they are serving.

Home Library New ZealandNew Zealand Gallantry Medal

Valor decoration

New Zealand Gallantry Medal

This medal honours service members who perform significant acts of gallantry in dangerous combat situations.

New Zealand Established 1999 All servicesPrecedence: Directly after the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and before the New Zealand Bravery Medal

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for acts of gallantry in situations of danger.

Eligibility

Members of the New Zealand Defence Force and attached allied personnel.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Directly after the New Zealand Bravery Decoration and before the New Zealand Bravery Medal

New Zealand Gallantry Medal, Valor decoration, New Zealand medal

History

The New Zealand Gallantry Medal was created in 1999 to serve as the fourth level of military gallantry decorations in the country's independent honours system. It replaced older British honours such as the Military Medal and the Distinguished Flying Medal, which had been awarded throughout the World Wars.

Before 1999, the British system separated awards depending on whether a recipient was an officer or an enlisted rank. The New Zealand Gallantry Medal unified these honours so any soldier, regardless of rank, could earn the same medal for performing acts of gallantry in dangerous conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

War in AfghanistanEast Timor Crisis

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Willie Apiata, including Victoria Cross for New Zealand, New Zealand Gallantry Star, New Zealand Gallantry Decoration, New Zealand Gallantry Medal, New Zealand General Service Medal 2002, New Zealand Operational Service Medal, New Zealand Defence Service Medal, shown against a light New Zealand flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Afghanistan

Victoria Cross for New Zealand New Zealand Gallantry Star New Zealand Gallantry Decoration+4

Willie Apiata

Who Was Willie Apiata?

The first recipient of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand for bravery in Afghanistan.

New Zealand20 July 2004

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Sources

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