South African military decorations
An overview of South African military decorations and medals, which form part of the South African honours system.
Colonial forces 1894–1913
The colonial military forces received British military decorations in wartime. From 1894, the colonial governments awarded medals for distinguished conduct and for long service. This was the general practice in the British Empire at that time. The colonial medals were:
- Decorations
- Volunteer Officers' Decoration (VD) (1894–1901)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (VD) (1900–13)
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (1894–1913)
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal) 1894–1913)
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope) (1894–1913)
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (Transvaal) (1902–1913)
- Campaign medals
- Long service medals
- Meritorious Service Medal (1845–1913)
- Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope) (1896–1913)
- Meritorious Service Medal (Natal) (1896–1913)
- Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830–1896)
- Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope) (1896–1910)
- Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal) (1896–1910)
- Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal (1910–1913)
- Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies (1896–1901)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (1900–13).
Union Defence Forces 1913–1952
The colonial forces were replaced in 1912 by the Union Defence Forces, which continued the system. British decorations for gallantry and distinguished service were awarded during World War I and World War II, and the South African government granted the other categories of award. They were:
- Decoration
- Distinguished Conduct Medal (1914–40)
- Campaign medals
- Victory Medal (1919)
- Africa Service Medal (1943)
- Long service medals
- Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal (1913–1930)
- Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) (1930–39)
- Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa) (1939–52)
- Meritorious Service Medal (1914–40)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (VD) (1913–39)
- Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal (1913–39)
- Efficiency Decoration (ED) (1939–52)
- Efficiency Medal (1939–52)
- RNVR Volunteer Officers' Decoration Medal (VD) (1915–49)
- RNVR Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (1915–49)
- Air Efficiency Award (1950–52).
Boer war veterans
In 1920, the South African government instituted a separate set of awards, for Boer veterans of the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War — neither of the Boer republics for which they had fought had had its own honours system. The awards were:
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Boer20.png)
- Decoration
- Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst (Decoration for Devoted Service) (DTD)
- Campaign medals
South African Defence Force
1952–1975
South Africa introduced its own honours system in 1952. Its largest component was a series of military decorations and medals, which not only replaced the existing long service medals, but provided substitutes for the decorations which the British government had awarded in wartime:
Decoration Name | Post Nominals | Period current | Number awarded | Awarded for | Ribbon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Castle of Good Hope Decoration | CGH | 1952–2003 | Never awarded | Most conspicuous bravery | ![]() |
Louw Wepener Decoration | LWD | 1952–1975 | 7 | Most conspicuous courage or greatest heroism | ![]() |
Star of South Africa | SSA | 1952–1975 | 20 | Exceptionally meritorious service | ![]() |
Van Riebeeck Decoration | DVR | 1952–1975 | 2 | Distinguished service in the field (officers) | ![]() |
Honoris Crux (1952) | HC | 1952–1975 | 5 | Gallantry in action against the enemy | ![]() |
Van Riebeeck Medal | VRM | 1952–1975 | 5 | Distinguished service in the field (other ranks) | ![]() |
Louw Wepener Medal | LWM | 1967–1975 | 8 | Courageous or heroic deeds in saving lives | ![]() |
Southern Cross Medal (1952) | SM | 1952–75 | 587 | Outstanding devotion to duty | ![]() |
Pro Merito Medal (1967) | PMM | 1967–75 | 374 | Outstanding devotion to duty (other ranks) | ![]() |
Danie Theron Medal | 1970–2003 | Diligent service in the Commandos | ![]() | ||
Jack Hindon Medal | 1970–1975 | 18 | Diligent service in the Commandos (other ranks) | ![]() | |
Campaign medals | |||||
Korea Medal | 1953 | Service in the Korean War | ![]() | ||
Commemorative Medals | |||||
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal | 1953 | To commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II | ![]() | ||
Long Service Medals | |||||
Union Medal | 1952–1961 | 18 years service in the Permanent Force | ![]() | ||
Permanent Force Good Service Medal | 1961–1975 | 18 years service in the Permanent Force | ![]() | ||
John Chard Decoration | JCD | 1952–2003 | 20 years service in the Citizen Force | ![]() | |
De Wet Decoration | DWD | 1952–2003 | 20 years service in the Commandos | ![]() | |
John Chard Medal | 1952–2003 | 12 years service in the Citizen Force | ![]() | ||
Cadet Corps Medal | 1966–1967 | 20 years service in school cadets | ![]() | ||
Shooting Medals | |||||
Queen's Medal for Champion Shots | 1953–1961 | Winning the annual SADF shooting championships | ![]() | ||
Commandant General's Medal | 1965–1975 | Winning the annual SADF shooting championships | ![]() | ||
Emblems | |||||
Mentioned in dispatches | 1967–2003 | ![]() | |||
Commendation by the Chief of the SADF | 1968–1974 | ![]() |
1975–2003
A new system was introduced in 1975. It retained seven of the existing decorations and medals. Innovations included a hierarchy of merit awards, cumulative long service medals, and colour-coded ribbons. As the South African Defence Force was engaged in military operations in South West Africa and Angola throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the number of awards granted each year increased significantly. Additional decorations were instituted between 1987 and 1991.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Arthur_Walker%27s_decorations.jpg/300px-Arthur_Walker%27s_decorations.jpg)
Decoration Name | Post Nominals | Period current | Number awarded | Awarded for | Ribbon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Castle of Good Hope Decoration | CGH | 1952–2003 | Never awarded | Most conspicuous bravery | ![]() |
Honoris Crux Diamond | HCD | 1975–93 | Never awarded | Death-defying heroic deeds of outstanding valour | ![]() |
Honoris Crux Gold | HCG | 1975–93 | 6 | Outstanding bravery in extreme danger | ![]() |
Star of South Africa, Gold | SSA | 1975–2003 | Meritorious military service. | ![]() | |
Star of South Africa, Silver | SSAS | 1975–2003 | Meritorious military service. | ![]() | |
Honoris Crux Silver | HCS | 1975–2003 | 27 | Exceptional bravery in great danger | ![]() |
Honoris Crux (1975) | HC | 1975–2003 | 201 | Bravery while in danger | ![]() |
Pro Virtute Decoration | PVD | 1987–2003 | Distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership (officers) | ![]() | |
Southern Cross Decoration | SD | 1975–2003 | Outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty (Officers) | ![]() | |
Pro Merito Decoration | PMD | 1975–2003 | Outstanding service of the highest order, and utmost devotion to duty (other ranks) | ![]() | |
Pro Virtute Medal | PVM | 1987–2003 | Never awarded | Distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership (other ranks) | ![]() |
Ad Astra Decoration | AAD | 1987–2003 | Excellent flying skill or ingenuity by SA Air Force aircrew in emergencies or unusual situations[1] | ![]() | |
Army Cross | CM | 1991–2003 | Exceptional courage, leadership, skill or ingenuity in dangerous or critical situations (army personnel) | ![]() | |
Air Force Cross | CA | 1991–2003 | Exceptional courage, leadership, skill or ingenuity in dangerous or critical situations (air force personnel) | ![]() | |
Navy Cross | CN | 1991–2003 | Exceptional courage, leadership, skill or ingenuity in dangerous or critical situations (naval personnel) | ![]() | |
Medical Service Cross | CC | 1991–2003 | Exceptional courage, leadership, skill or ingenuity in dangerous or critical situations (military health service personnel) | ![]() | |
Southern Cross Medal (1975) | SM | 1975–2003 | Exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty (officers) | ![]() | |
Pro Merito Medal (1975) | PMM | 1975–2003 | Exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty (other ranks) | ![]() | |
Danie Theron Medal | DTM | 1970–2003 | Exceptionally diligent and outstanding service in the Commandos | ![]() | |
Military Merit Medal | MMM | 1974–2003 | Service of a high order | ![]() | |
Campaign medals | |||||
Pro Patria Medal | 1974–1992 | Operational service in combating terrorism or in defence of South Africa | ![]() | ||
Southern Africa Medal | 1989 | Service in military operations outside South Africa and South West Africa between 1976 and 1989 | ![]() | ||
General Service Medal | 1992 | Operational service inside South Africa from 1983 | ![]() | ||
Commemorative Medals | |||||
Unitas Medal | 1994 | To commemorate the amalgamation of the SADF, APLA, MK and the homeland defence forces to form the SA National Defence Force | ![]() | ||
Long Service Medals | |||||
Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service | 1987–2003 | 40 years service in the Defence Force | ![]() | ||
Good Service Medal, Gold | 1975–2003 | 30 years service in the Permanent Force | ![]() | ||
Good Service Medal, Silver | 1975–2003 | 20 years service in the Permanent Force | ![]() | ||
John Chard Decoration | JCD | 1952–2003 | 20 years service in the Citizen Force | ![]() | |
De Wet Decoration | DWD | 1952–2003 | 20 years service in the Commandos | ![]() | |
John Chard Medal | 1952–2003 | 12 (from 1986, 10) years service in the Citizen Force | ![]() | ||
Good Service Medal, Bronze | 1975–2003 | 10 years service in the Permanent Force | ![]() | ||
De Wet Medal | 1987–2003 | 10 years service in the Commandos | ![]() | ||
Shooting Medals | |||||
SADF Champion Shot Medal | 1975–2003 | Champion shots of the annual SADF Bisley in the categories of fullbore, smallbore, pistol and service shooting | ![]() | ||
Cadet Corps Champion Shot Medal | 1987–2003 | ![]() | |||
Emblems | |||||
Mentioned in Dispatches | 1967–2003 | ![]() | |||
Emblem for Volunteer Service (South Africa) | 1967–2003 |
Armed opposition organisations
In 1996, two separate sets of decorations were instituted for veterans who had served in the Azanian People's Liberation Army and Umkhonto we Sizwe during the armed campaign against the former government.
Azanian People's Liberation Army
Decoration Name | Post Nominals | Period current | Number awarded | Awarded for | Ribbon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold Star for Bravery | GSB | 1996–2003 | Exceptional bravery in great danger | ![]() | |
Bravery Star in Silver | BSS | 1996–2003 | Bravery | ![]() | |
Star for Conspicuous Leadership | SCL | 1996–2003 | Distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership | ![]() | |
Gold Decoration for Merit | GDM | 1996–2003 | Outstanding service and utmost devotion to duty | ![]() | |
Silver Medal for Merit | SMM | 1996–2003 | Exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty | ![]() | |
Bronze Medal for Merit | BMM | 1996–2003 | Service of a high order | ![]() | |
Campaign medals | |||||
Operational Medal for Southern Africa | 1996–2003 | Operational service outside South Africa | ![]() | ||
South Africa Service Medal | 1996–2003 | Operational service inside South Africa | ![]() | ||
Long Service medals | |||||
Gold Service Medal | 1996–2003 | 30 years service in APLA | ![]() | ||
Silver Service Medal | 1996–2003 | 20 years service in APLA | ![]() | ||
Bronze Service Medal | 1996–2003 | 10 years service in APLA | ![]() |
Umkhonto we Sizwe
Decoration Name | Post Nominals | Period current | Number awarded | Awarded for | Ribbon |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Star for Bravery in Gold | SBG | 1996–2003 | Exceptional bravery in great danger | ![]() | |
Star for Bravery in Silver | SBS | 1996–2003 | Bravery | ![]() | |
Conspicuous Leadership Star | CLS | 1996–2003 | Distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership | ![]() | |
Decoration for Merit in Gold | GDMG | 1996–2003 | Outstanding service and utmost devotion to duty | ![]() | |
Merit Medal in Silver | MMS | 1996–2003 | Exceptionally meritorious service and particular devotion to duty | ![]() | |
Merit Medal in Bronze | MMB | 1996–2003 | Service of a high order | ![]() | |
Campaign medals | |||||
Operational Medal for Southern Africa | 1996–2003 | Operational service outside South Africa | ![]() | ||
South Africa Service Medal | 1996–2003 | Operational service inside South Africa | ![]() | ||
Long Service medals | |||||
Service Medal in Gold | 1996–2003 | 30 years service in Umkhonto we Sizwe | ![]() | ||
Service Medal in Silver | 1996–2003 | 20 years service in Umkhonto we Sizwe | ![]() | ||
Service Medal in Bronze | 1996 –2003 | 10 years service in Umkhonto we Sizwe | ![]() |
South African National Defence Force
The South African National Defence Force, which was formed in 1994 by amalgamating the SADF, the liberation armies, and the military forces of the former homelands, used the SADF decorations and medals until 2003, when a new series of decorations was instituted:
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/South_African_military_decorations_2003.gif)
Bravery
Nkwe ya Gauta (Golden Leopard) (NG)
Nkwe ya Selefera (Silver Leopard) (NS)
Nkwe ya Boronse (Bronze Leopard) (NB)
Superior Service
iPhrothiya yeGolide (Golden Protea) (PG)
iPhrothiya yeSiliva (Silver Protea) (PS)
iPhrothiya yeBhronzi (Bronze Protea) (PB)
Campaign medal
Commemoration Medal
Long service medal
Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service) (10 Years)
Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service) (20 Year Clasp)
Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service) (30 Year Clasp)
Medalje vir Troue Diens (Medal for Loyal Service) (40 Year Clasp)
Emblems
Mentioned in Dispatches - Okhankanyiweyo (MID)
Medal Ribbon for Loyal Service - with RD device (Reserve Distinction) (RD)
Badge for Reserve Voluntary Service
Bars and Clasps
Maluti Clasp (Operation BOLEAS)
Tshumelo Ikatelaho (General Service Medal) (Peace Support clasp)
Tshumelo Ikatelaho (General Service Medal) (Humanitarian Aid clasp)
See also
- Orders, decorations, and medals of South Africa
- British and Commonwealth orders and decorations
- South African civil honours
- South African intelligence service decorations
- South African orders and decorations
- South African police decorations
- South African prisons decorations
References
- ^ "South African Honours and Awards". Archived from the original on 6 May 2013.
Further reading
- Alexander, E. G. McGill; Barron, Gary K. B.; Bateman, Anthony J. (1986). South African Orders, Decorations and Medals. Human and Rousseau. ISBN 9780798118958.
- Monick, Stanley (1988). South African Military Awards 1912–1987. Caroline Melrose Eloff (illustrator). South African National Museum of Military History. ISBN 9780620122993.
- Matthysen, P. P. (2009). A Guide to South African Military Awards. South Africa: Marc Norman Publishing. ISBN 9780620448055.
External links
- SANDF website
- South African Medals Website
- Order of Precedence 2005
- v
- t
- e
![South Africa](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Red_Ensign_of_South_Africa_%281910%E2%80%931912%29.svg/23px-Red_Ensign_of_South_Africa_%281910%E2%80%931912%29.svg.png)
Pre-Union
until 6 April 1952
Victoria Cross
Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst
Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Service Cross
Military Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Force Cross
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal (Natal)
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)
Distinguished Service Medal
Military Medal
Distinguished Flying Medal
Air Force Medal
British Empire Medal (Military)
South Africa Medal (1853)
South Africa Medal (1880)
Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal
Queen's South Africa Medal
Medalje voor de Anglo-Boere Oorlog
Lint voor Verwonding
King's South Africa Medal
Natal Native Rebellion Medal
1914–15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal (South Africa)
Mercantile Marine War Medal
1939–1945 Star
Atlantic Star
Arctic Star
Air Crew Europe Star
Africa Star
Pacific Star
Burma Star
Italy Star
France and Germany Star
Defence Medal
War Medal
Africa Service Medal
King George V Coronation Medal
King George V Silver Jubilee Medal
King George VI Coronation Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United Kingdom)
Meritorious Service Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
Meritorious Service Medal (Natal)
Meritorious Service Medal (South Africa)
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Cape of Good Hope)
Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Natal)
Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (South Africa)
Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies
Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
Efficiency Decoration (South Africa)
Efficiency Medal (South Africa)
Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Air Efficiency Award
King's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal
South African Medal for War Services
Sir Harry Smith's Medal for Gallantry (Unofficial)
Johannesburg Vrijwilliger Corps Medal (Unofficial)
Kimberley Star (Unofficial)
Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of O'okiep (Unofficial)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Flag_of_South_Africa_%281928-1982%29.svg/23px-Flag_of_South_Africa_%281928-1982%29.svg.png)
1952–1994
Honoris Crux Gold
Star of South Africa, Gold
Star of South Africa, Silver
Star of South Africa (1952)
Louw Wepener Decoration
Honoris Crux (1952)
Honoris Crux Silver
Van Riebeeck Decoration
Honoris Crux (1975)
Pro Virtute Decoration
Southern Cross Decoration
Pro Merito Decoration
Van Riebeeck Medal
Louw Wepener Medal
Ad Astra Decoration
Army Cross
Air Force Cross
Navy Cross
Medical Service Cross
Southern Cross Medal (1952)
Pro Merito Medal (1967)
Southern Cross Medal (1975)
Pro Merito Medal (1975)
Danie Theron Medal
Jack Hindon Medal
Military Merit Medal
Korea Medal
Pro Patria Medal
Southern Africa Medal
General Service Medal (South Africa)
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service
Good Service Medal, Gold
John Chard Decoration
De Wet Decoration
Cadet Corps Medal
Good Service Medal, Silver
Union Medal
Permanent Force Good Service Medal
John Chard Medal
Good Service Medal, Bronze
De Wet Medal
Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces
Commandant General's Medal
SADF Champion Shot Medal
National Cadet Bisley Grand Champion Medal
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Flag_of_Transkei.svg/23px-Flag_of_Transkei.svg.png)
Transkei
Cross for Bravery
Transkei Defence Force Medal
Independence Medal (Transkei)
Military Rule Medal
Faithful Service Medal
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/Flag_of_Bophuthatswana_%281972%E2%80%931994%29.svg/23px-Flag_of_Bophuthatswana_%281972%E2%80%931994%29.svg.png)
Bophuthatswana
Order of the Leopard, Commander
Distinguished Gallantry Cross
Defence Force Merit Decoration
Distinguished Gallantry Medal
Defence Force Merit Medal
Marumo Medal, Class I
Defence Force Commendation Medal
Marumo Medal, Class II
Nkwe Medal
General Service Medal
Independence Medal
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Gold
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Silver
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct, Bronze
State President's Medal for Shooting
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Flag_of_Venda_%281973%E2%80%931994%29.svg/23px-Flag_of_Venda_%281973%E2%80%931994%29.svg.png)
Venda
Gallantry Cross, Gold
Gallantry Cross, Silver
Distinguished Service Medal, Gold
Distinguished Service Medal, Silver
Venda Defence Force Medal
General Service Medal (Venda)
Independence Medal (Venda)
Long Service Medal, Gold
Long Service Medal, Silver
Long Service Medal, Bronze
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Flag_of_Ciskei.svg/23px-Flag_of_Ciskei.svg.png)
Ciskei
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Flag_of_the_African_National_Congress.svg/23px-Flag_of_the_African_National_Congress.svg.png)
Umkhonto
we Sizwe
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Yellow_star_on_green.svg/23px-Yellow_star_on_green.svg.png)
Azanian People's
Liberation Army
![South Africa](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/23px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)
From 1994