How it is awarded
The Governor-General awards the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Force or their delegate.
Former national servicemen and their next of kin can apply for the medal.
For an application form write to:
Directorate of Honours and Awards
Directorate of Honours and Awards
BP33-1, Department of Defence
PO Box 7952
Canberra BC ACT 2610 Or phone the free-call number: 1800 333 362
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/medals/
There is no post-nominal for this medal.
History
More than 300,000 Australians served in two post-war national service schemes that played an important role in the country's defence.
In the 21-year period 187 national servicemen died in active service and 1,500 were wounded.
The Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP, announced the medal on 26 April 2001. It was established on 10 October 2001 by Letters Patent.
Medal design
The Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal is a bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward.
The obverse depicts an Australian Defence Force emblem with the crossed swords of the Army taking precedence. The Federation Star surmounts the emblem. The words 'Anniversary of National Service' are on the perimeter of the medal and the years 1951-1972 are on the central bottom edge.
The reverse shows the Southern Cross overlaid on spreading rays and surrounded by a cog: a traditional symbol for the spirit of co-operation between the Australian Defence Force and the community.
Medal ribbon
The medal ribbon has a central gold stripe flanked by dark blue stripes which in turn are flanked by stripes of white, green, light blue and ochre.