History

The New Zealand War Service Medal (1939-1945) was established by King George VI, King of New Zealand, by Royal Warrant in 1948. It was the first distinctively New Zealand award and was awarded to any member of the New Zealand Armed Forces and Merchant Navy, New Zealand National Military Reserve, and the Home Guard who served between September 3, 1939 and September 2, 1945 to recognise 28 days of full time service.