Australian Service Medal 1945-1975
The Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 recognises service in prescribed peacekeeping or non-warlike operations.
About the award
The Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 was introduced in 1995 for service in prescribed peacekeeping or non-warlike operations in the 30-year period following World War II.
Before the introduction of this medal there had been a gap between the Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 (an Imperial Award) and the current Australian Service Medal.
The medal was introduced on the recommendation of the Committee of Inquiry into Defence and Defence-related Awards (CIDA).
The Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 was established on 22 February 1995 by Letters Patent.
How it is awarded
The Governor-General awards the Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or their delegate.
The medal is awarded with a clasp denoting the prescribed operation.
The following clasps have been approved by the Governor-General: Japan, Korea, PNG, SW Pacific, Indonesia, Middle East, Berlin, Germany, Kashmir, FESR, SE Asia, Thailand (UBON 1/5/62-24/6/65, Crown 1/5/62-24/6/65), W New Guinea and Special Ops (3/9/45-13/2/75 CDF Specify). Subsequent awards to the same person are made with an additional clasp.
Medal design
The Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 is a nickel-silver medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The obverse features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms above a spray of golden wattle.
The reverse of the medal shows the Federation Star and golden wattle.
Medal ribbon
The medal ribbon has a central gold stripe flanked by two green stripes which in turn are flanked by stripes of silver-grey, dark and light blue.