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What did this medal celebrate?

This medal celebrated the day Papua New Guinea became its own independent country. On September 16, 1975, the country ended its time under Australian rule. It was a very big moment for the people as they started their own government.

Who qualified for it?

The medal was given to the brave men and women who were working during that important time. It went to soldiers in the new army and police officers who kept the peace. Important government workers who helped start the new nation also earned the award.

Was it the first medal of an independent Papua New Guinea?

Yes, it was the very first medal created by the new government. It showed the world that the country had its own way to honor people. This medal helped mark the start of a brand new history for the nation.

Can someone still earn it today?

No, you cannot earn this medal anymore. It was only meant to honor people who served exactly when the country became independent. Since that special day was in 1975, it is a one-time award from the past.

Did Australian personnel serving in the PNGDF get it?

Yes, some Australians received this medal too. Many Australian soldiers were helping the local army grow and stay strong during the change. Because they were on duty in the country on that special day, they were given the award for their help.

What did this medal celebrate?

This medal celebrated the day Papua New Guinea became its own independent country. On September 16, 1975, the country ended its time under Australian rule. It was a very big moment for the people as they started their own government.

Who qualified for it?

The medal was given to the brave men and women who were working during that important time. It went to soldiers in the new army and police officers who kept the peace. Important government workers who helped start the new nation also earned the award.

Was it the first medal of an independent Papua New Guinea?

Yes, it was the very first medal created by the new government. It showed the world that the country had its own way to honor people. This medal helped mark the start of a brand new history for the nation.

Can someone still earn it today?

No, you cannot earn this medal anymore. It was only meant to honor people who served exactly when the country became independent. Since that special day was in 1975, it is a one-time award from the past.

Did Australian personnel serving in the PNGDF get it?

Yes, some Australians received this medal too. Many Australian soldiers were helping the local army grow and stay strong during the change. Because they were on duty in the country on that special day, they were given the award for their help.

Home Library Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea Independence Medal

Service medal

Papua New Guinea Independence Medal

A commemorative service medal created to celebrate the nation's independence in 1975.

Papua New Guinea Established 1975 All servicesPrecedence: Senior commemorative service medal in the post-1975 order of precedence

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to members of the armed forces and public servants on active duty during independence in 1975.

Eligibility

Members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, police, and key officials in service on September 16, 1975.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Senior commemorative service medal in the post-1975 order of precedence

Papua New Guinea Independence Medal, Service medal, Papua New Guinea medal

History

The Papua New Guinea Independence Medal was established in 1975 by the government of Papua New Guinea under Prime Minister Michael Somare to mark the end of Australian administration and the birth of a sovereign nation.

It was the country's first distinct post-independence medal, recognizing the soldiers, police officers, and officials who established the young nation and maintained defense stability.

Members of the newly created Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles who were serving on Independence Day received the award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Transition to Independence

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Jerry Singirok, including National Logohu Medal, Papua New Guinea Independence Medal, Papua New Guinea 10th Independence Anniversary Medal, Papua New Guinea 30th Independence Anniversary Medal, Papua New Guinea Defence Force 50th Anniversary Medal, Officer of the Order of Logohu, Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, Distinguished Military Service Medal, Member of the Order of Logohu, shown against a light Papua New Guinea flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Cold War

National Logohu Medal Papua New Guinea Independence Medal Papua New Guinea 10th Independence Anniversary Medal+6

Jerry Singirok

Who Was Major General Jerry Singirok?

A prominent commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force during a critical period of national history.

Papua New Guinea1997-03-17

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Sources

Back to Papua New Guinea