The medal is for civilians who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service.
How it is awarded
The Governor-General awards the Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or delegate.
Recipients must have served for a qualifying period in any one or a combination of the 38 eligible groups between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.
A guide to eligible groups is available as a downloadable file: Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 eligibility guide.
The application form is available as a downloadable file: Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 Application Information.
There is no post-nominal.
History
The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 recognises the service of Australian civilians who worked in organisations such as the Australian Women's Land Army (AWLA), the Civil Constructional Corps (CCC) and the Red Cross Emergency Service Companies during World War II.
The medal was introduced on the recommendation of the Committee of Inquiry into Defence and Defence-related Awards.
The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 was established on 28 October 1994 by Letters Patent.
The Letters Patent and regulations are listed on the Governor-General’s website.
Medal design
The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 is bronze and portrays the Southern Cross surrounded by golden wattle, Australia's floral emblem.
The Southern Cross represents Australia and the golden wattle represents the civilian population joining in defence of the country.
Medal ribbon
The medal ribbon has three vertical bands. The central band is ochre to represent the soil of Australia. The two outer bands are green for the land and food production. The two white stripes on the ribbon represent communication and construction.