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Campaign Medals – NZ Operational Service Medal
Campaign or service medals are awarded to those who serve in specified campaigns or military operations. They recognise general military service in war (in contrast to Decorations which are issued for acts of heroism and bravery). The New Zealand Operational Service Medal is to recognise operational service since the end of the Second World War, 3 September 1945 – the day following the Japanese surrender at Tokyo Bay and the day after qualifying service towards Second World War medals ended. Operational service is service which exceeds the normal requirements of peacetime service, and which involves a credible military threat from enemy military forces, insurgents, or other hostile forces. As it specifically recognises New Zealand service, it is the successor to the New Zealand War Service Medal.
Medal(s)
Medal Description:
The New Zealand Operational Service Medal
The New Zealand Operational Service Medal (NZOSM) was instituted in 2002 to recognise New Zealanders (military and civilians) who have served since the end of the Second World War. The NZOSM provides recognition for those who have earned a campaign medal or completed 7 days or more of operational service since 3 September 1945. It is awarded once only to an individual, regardless of how many times he or she has deployed on operations. The medal features the New Zealand Coat of Arms on the obverse and a kiwi on the reverse. The ribbon is black and white stripes, representative of New Zealand’s national colours.