History

The Australian Service Medal for the Second World War was awarded to Australian Army-Navy-Air Force personnel who served a minimum of eighteen months. However, there was no minimum time for those who were killed or wounded during the war. In 1996, the minimum service was altered to be 30 days full-time service or 90 days part-time service.

Enlistment records state that a total of 993,000 Australians served in the war. There were a total of 180,864 individuals, of which 33,826 were killed in action. Approximately 600,000 Medals were awarded as of 1996.

The medal is circular and is comprised of cupro-nickel. The obverse features an effigy of King George IV, surrounded by the inscription GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP. The reverse bears Australia's Coat of Arms, with the inscription AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945. The recipients' name was impressed on the rim.

The initial prefix represents the state of the recipient. For example, "T" for Tasmania. The "X" prefix represents Australian Imperial Forces or Volunteer Overseas Service.