The War Medal 1939–45 was awarded for 28 days full-time service in the armed forces between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. Operational and non-operational service may be counted if it was 28 days or more in duration.
In the merchant navy, there was a requirement that the 28 days should have been served at sea.
A member qualifies for the award where service was brought to an end by death, wounds or other disabilities due to service or by cessation of hostilities on 2 September 1945.
Civilian personnel
Australian civilian personnel who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section between 8 December 1941 and 2 September 1945 may also be eligible. The following official documentation can be used to support a claim:
- Certificate of Service or Certificate of Discharge (must contain enlistment and discharge dates)
- Defence Department Form 214 – Certificate of Release or discharge from Active Duty containing dates and ship names to which the member was assigned.
- United States Army Forces in Australia, Small Ships Supply Command Civilian Personnel Record Card. This card will contain the Assignment Record that lists the ships the member was assigned to and their period of duty for the assignment
- Form TCCP 50 – United States Army Supply Service Transfer/Reclassification Occurrence Report. This occurrence report will contain the ships the member was assigned to and their period of duty for the assignment
- pay card or individual earnings record.
The following associated documentation can be used in conjunction with the official documentation:
- certified copies of letters sent by the member. Must contain a postmark from a location within the operational area.
- certified copy of a diary written by member.
- medical certificates showing the member attending a medical centre within the operational area.
Relevant documentation can be requested from United States Army Human Resources Command website.
Design
The medal is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse.
The reverse has a lion standing on a double-headed dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945.
The ribbon colours of red, white and blue represent the colours of the Union Flag.
Source documents
Summary of Award Conditions of Campaign Stars, the Defence Medal and the War Medal (PDF, 172.19 KB)