Service Medals

Service medals are available from the Department of Defence. If you would like eligibility information or to ascertain what medals have been previously awarded or remain unissued, you can contact the toll-free medals inquiry line on 1800 111 321.

Further information is available on the Department of Defence website here.

Replica medals are available from medal dealers or military memorabilia outlets. Many of these replicas are high quality and can be difficult to distinguish from the originals. To request a list of your relative’s entitled awards click here and complete the Defence Medals Online Application Form, selecting ‘List of Previous Awards’ as the application type.

The Republic of Korea War Service Medal was introduced by South Korea in 1951 to recognise the assistance provided by members of the United Nations forces in combatting communist aggression in Korea.

Veterans who have been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp Korea are also eligible for the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

The eligibility criteria, as directed by the Republic of Korea, can be viewed here.

Australian Defence Force members who served during the Vietnam War have been recognised with the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

Individuals who may be eligible can apply here.

Following the death of the last World War I Veteran in 2005, the entitlement to the replacement of WWI medals ended.

If WWI medals have been lost, you can purchase these from a reputable medals dealer. To ascertain what medals a Veteran was issued, you can access their service record which is held at the National Archives of Australia. These are available at the ‘Discovering ANZAC’s’ website.

When wearing medals, strict attention should be paid to the correct forms of dress. Please click the button below for further information.