History

The New Zealand Service Medal (1946-1949) was established by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand by Royal Warrant on November 3, 1995. It was created to recognise New Zealand military personnel who served the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan between March 1946 and March 1949. The Royal Warrant was amended in 2002 to also recognise all personnel who served in a civil or military capacity in connection with the occupation of Japan since September 3, 1945. The medal is also referred to as the “J Force Medal”.

Prior to July 2009, the awards were issued unnamed but have since featured the recipient’s name on the rim. Medals awarded prior to July 2009 may feature a named engraving, but were privately altered.