New Zealand Service Medal 1946-49

Instituted in 1995 to recognise New Zealand forces who served in occupation forces in Japan between March 1946-March 1949. In 2002 the regulations were amended to also recognise service between September 1945 – March 1946 including the crews of HMNZ Ships Gambia and Achilles in Japanese waters. The stripes on the medal ribbon represent the national colours of New Zealand (black and white) and Japan (red and white).