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The NASA Space Flight Medal

The NASA Space Flight Medal is a decoration bestowed upon astronauts (US or foreign) who fly aboard a United States space mission.

The NASA Space Flight Medal is a decoration of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration first awarded in 1981 for “significant achievement or service during individual participation as a civilian or military astronaut, pilot, mission specialist, payload specialist, or other space flight participant in a space flight mission.”

The medal is bestowed upon any astronaut (US or foreign) who flies aboard a United States space mission, and typically every subsequent flight is honored with an additional award.

Multiple awards of the decoration are annotated either by award stars or oak leaf clusters. The medal is authorized for wear on active uniforms of the United States military and is worn after all military decorations.

The NASA Space Flight Medal Design

The medal is circular, struck in bronze and measures 1-5/8 inches (4 centimeters) in diameter.

The obverse shows a garland border, with a triangle featuring a space shuttle and the word “NASA” below it. The reverse is plain except for the inscription “SPACE FLIGHT MEDAL“.

The ribbon has stripes of blue, red, dark blue, red and lavender.

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The NASA Distinguished Service Medal

The NASA Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award that can be given to member of the federal government (astronauts and civilians).

The NASA Distinguished Service Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed to member of the federal government, including both military astronauts and civilian employees by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States. Typical presentations of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal included awards to senior NASA administrators, mission control leaders, and astronauts who have completed several successful space flights.

The medal is awarded to those who display distinguished service, ability, or courage and have personally made a contribution representing substantial progress to the NASA mission. The contribution must be so extraordinary that other forms of recognition would be inadequate.

The medal was originally awarded by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and was inherited by NASA. Due to the prestige of the award, the decoration is authorized for wear on the active uniforms of the United States military.

The NASA Distinguished Service Medal Design

The medal is a three-piece construction struck in bronze gilt with a blue enameled centerpiece. It measures 41.8 millimeters by 45.8 millimeters and is given unnamed. The edge alternates from fluted to Maltese cross-like design.

The obverse shows a golden version of the red, white and blue insignia of NASA. The round shape represents a planet, the stars space, the red v-shaped wing represents aeronautics and the circular orbit around the agency’s name represents space travel. Around the symbols is the inscription “DISTINGUISHED SERVICE” and “NASA”. The reverse sometimes has the name of the recipient engraved as well as the presentation date.

The ribbon is blue, with light-blue and white thinner stripes towards the edges.

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The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal

The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal is the highest honor NASA awards to anyone who was not a government employee.

The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal is the highest honor NASA awards to anyone who was not a government employee when the service was performed whose distinguished service, ability, or vision
has personally contributed to NASA’s advancement of United States’ interests.

The medal is awarded for:

“Distinguished accomplishments [that] contributed substantially to the NASA mission. The contribution must be so extraordinary that other forms of recognition would be inadequate.”

NASA’s most prestigious honor awards are approved by the administrator and presented to a number of carefully selected individuals and groups of individuals, both government and non-government, who have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to the agency’s mission.

The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal Design

The medal is struck in bronze gilt and measures 44.5 mm by 48.5 mm.

It bears the inscription “PUBLIC SERVICE” on the reverse.

The ribbon is blue, with light-blue and yellow thinner stripes towards the edges.

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The Volunteer Officers’ Decoration

The Volunteer Officers’ Decoration (or VD) is a British medal instituted in 1892 as an award for long and meritorious service by officers of the United Kingdom’s Volunteer Force.

The award was instituted by Queen Victoria’s Royal Warrant on 25 July 1892. The decoration could be awarded to efficient and thoroughly capable officers of proven capacity for long and meritorious service in the part-time Volunteer Force of the United Kingdom.

The decoration was discontinued in the United Kingdom when it was superseded by the Territorial Decoration in 1908, but it continued to be awarded throughout the British Empire, defined as being India, the Dominion of Canada, the Crown Colonies and the Crown Dependencies.

Volunteer Officers’ Decoration Design

The medal is oval skeletal and is struck in silver, with parts of the obverse in silver-gilt. It measures 43 millimeters (1.69 inches) high and 35.5 millimeters (1.4 inches) wide with a ring suspender formed of silver wire.

The obverse shows an oak leaf wreath in silver, tied with gold, with the Royal Cypher below the Royal Crown, both in gold, in the center. The reverse is plain with the hallmarks impressed at the bottom. 
The ribbon is dark green and 1 1⁄2 inches (38 millimeters) in width and is suspended from a silver bar-brooch decorated with an oak leaf pattern. The decoration was awarded unnamed but was frequently unofficially engraved in various styles.

The Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (1908)

The Territorial Force Efficiency Medal is a United Kingdom award for long service in the Territorial Force between 1908 and 1921.

It was established in 1908 following the enactment of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907, (7 Edw.7, c.9) which instigated a major re-organization of the old Volunteer Force and the remaining units of Militia and Yeomanry. 

The medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for a minimum of 12 years service in the Territorial Force, providing they attended 12 annual training camps. Previous service in other part-time forces, including the Volunteer Force could count, and war service counted double. Bars were awarded for further periods of 12 years.

The Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (1908) Design

The medal is oval, struck in silver and measures 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) high and 31 millimeters (1.2 inches) wide.

The obverse shows the bust of the reigning King in Field Marshall’s uniform, facing left. Originally Edward VII was shown, with the legend, “EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR“. In 1911 the image was changed to that of George V, the legend reading “GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:“.

The reverse has a raised rim and bears the inscription “TERRITORIAL FORCE EFFICIENCY MEDAL” on four lines.

The ribbon is 32 millimeters (1.26 inches) wide and originally plain dark green with a central yellow stripe. In December 1919 was changed to plain dark green with yellow edges. For members of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) the ribbon is half blue, half scarlet with yellow edges.

The recipient’s service number, rank, name, and unit were impressed on the edge of the medal. The medal hangs from a ring suspension, attached to the medal by a claw fixing.

Notes

This entry was updated on 21 March 2023. The medal image was replaced to show the effigy of George V. Thank you David Wilcock for this information.

The Territorial Efficiency Medal (1921)

The Territorial Efficiency Medal is a United Kingdom award for long service in the Territorial Army awarded for a minimum of 12 years service.

The Territorial Efficiency Medal (or TEM) is a United Kingdom award for long service in the Territorial Army established in 1921 and awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for a minimum of 12 years service in the Territorial Army – provided they attended 12 annual training camps.

Bars for further periods of 12 years service were intended but never issued since the medal was superseded by the Efficiency Medal after 9 years. Previous service in other part-time forces including the Territorial Force could count, while war service counted double. 

The award superseded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal when the Territorial Force became the Territorial Army in 1921. It was superseded by the Efficiency Medal in 1930.

The Territorial Efficiency Medal (1921) Design

The medal is oval, struck in silver and measures 38 millimeters (1.5 inches) high and 31 millimeters (1.2 inches) wide.

The obverse shows the effigy of King George V in Field Marshall’s uniform facing left, circumscribed by the inscription “GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:“. The reverse bears a raised rim and bears the inscription “TERRITORIAL EFFICIENCY MEDAL” on three lines.

The ribbon is 32 millimeters (1.26 inches) wide, plain dark green with yellow edges. The medal hangs from a ring suspension, attached to the medal by a claw fixing. The recipient’s service number, rank, name, and unit were impressed on the edge of the medal.

For members of the Honorable Artillery Company (HAC) the ribbon was half blue, half scarlet with yellow edges.

The Military Merit Medal (Austria-Hungary)

The Military Merit Medal is a military decoration of the Empire of Austria-Hungary only awarded to officers and officials of similar rank.

The Military Merit Medal (or Militär-Verdienstmedaille in German) is a military decoration of the Empire of Austria-Hungary founded by Emperor Franz Joseph I on March 12, 1890 and only awarded to officers and officials of similar rank.

The Military Merit Medal is often referred to as the “Signum Laudis” (Latin for “Sign of Praise”) after the inscription on the reverse of the medal. It was awarded in peacetime for meritorious service and in wartime for outstanding acts, including bravery or military merit.

The medal originally came in one class, a gilt bronze version, and repeat awards were not authorized. On March 26, 1911, a Silver Military Merit Medal was founded, intended to reward those who would have earned a second award of the Military Merit Medal. It too could be awarded on either of the two ribbons. On December 13, 1916, the addition of a pair of gilt-crossed swords on the ribbon was authorized to recognize a higher grade of wartime merit.

The Military Merit Medal became obsolete with the fall of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in November 1918.

The Military Merit Medal Design

The medal is circular and struck in bronze, silver, or gold.

The obverse shows the bust of the reigning emperor. The reverse bears the words “SIGNUM LAUDIS” (Latin for “Sign of Praise“) surrounded by a wreath, half-laurels and half-oak leaves. The Medal is surmounted by a crown (dual crowns for the Karl I type) and worn from a tri-fold ribbon.

The peacetime awards were on the statute ribbon, a red ribbon, while wartime awards were on the ribbon of the Bravery Medal, a “laddered” pattern of red stripes edged in white and with white between the “rungs”.

The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal

The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal was created to honor those from Newfoundland & Labrador who served in British Forces.

The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal is a British campaign medal established 6 November 1981, to honour those from Newfoundland & Labrador who served in British Forces outside of the province.

The medal was issued to those who did not receive a volunteer war service medal from another country, including Canada, and who had volunteered and served in units or organizations contributed by the Dominion of Newfoundland to the allied war effort. The period of qualifying service was from September 3, 1939 through September 2, 1945.

During the Second World War, Newfoundland was a separate Dominion of the British Empire, only joining the Canadian Confederation in 1949. Accordingly, Newfoundland servicemen who volunteered to serve with British Imperial Forces, including Newfoundland units, did not qualify for the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. 

A total of 7,500 medals were awarded, including those issued to next-of-kin, who could claim on behalf of those who died both in or since the war.

The Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal Design

The medal is circular, struck in bronze and measures 37 millimeters in diameter. It was designed by Ian H Stewart CM, the Senior Designer in Residence at Memorial University St John’s Nfld.

The obverse shows the Crown and cipher of King George VI surmounted by a baying Newfoundland stag caribou. Around the edge is the inscription “NEWFOUNDLAND VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL 1939-1945″. The reverse bears a depiction of Britannia standing on a scallop shell, with a spear in her right hand and the sun’s rays behind her. Two lions encircle each side with their heads towards the bottom of the medal.

The ribbon is deep claret with edges of red, white, and blue. The medal is mounted on a single claw with a single-curl mount and the rim is uniquely numbered to each recipient.

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More WW2 British Campaign Medals

During World War II (1939–1945) British campaign medals were awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and civilians for active service in specific military campaigns or operations. These included:

WW2 Medals and Awards: The Africa Star

The Africa Star

The Africa Star is a military campaign medal awarded to those who served in the Second World War specifically in North Africa. 

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WW2 Medals and Awards: The Pacific Star

The Pacific Star

The Pacific Star is a British military campaign medal instituted by the United Kingdom in 1945 for those who served in the Pacific Campaign.

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The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal

The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a campaign medal awarded to members of the Southern Rhodesia Defence Forces for home service.

The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal 1939-1945 is a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded to members of the Southern Rhodesia Defence Forces who had at least six months full or part-time service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945 and were not eligible for any other British World War II campaign medal.

The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal was authorized in 1948 and distributed from 1949. A total of 3,908 medals were awarded, mainly to those who had served part-time:

  • Southern Rhodesia Territorial Force: 3,140
  • British South Africa Police Reservists: 497
  • Those who served with both bodies: 271

There are no clasps for this medal.

The Southern Rhodesia Service Medal Design

The medal is circular, struck in cupro-nickel and measures 36 millimeters (1.4 in) in diameter.

The obverse shows the crowned effigy of King George VI facing left, with the legend “GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP.” (George VI by the grace of God King of Great Britain and Emperor of India).

The reverse was designed by Humphrey Paget and shows the coat of arms of Southern Rhodesia, surrounded by the words “+ FOR SERVICE IN SOUTHERN RHODESIA + 1939-1945”.

The ribbon measures 31.7 millimeters (1.25 in) wide and is beetle green with red and black stripes at each edge, the colors of the Rhodesia Regiment.

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More WW2 British Campaign Medals

During World War II (1939–1945) British campaign medals were awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and civilians for active service in specific military campaigns or operations. These included:

WW2 Medals and Awards: The Arctic Star

The Arctic Star

The Arctic Star is a military campaign medal which was instituted for service on the Arctic Convoys north of the Arctic Circle in WW2. 

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WW2 Medals and Awards: The Burma Star

The Burma Star

The Burma Star is a military campaign medal for award to subjects of the British Commonwealth who served in the Burma Campaign.

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The South African Medal for War Services

The South African Medal for War Services is a service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during WW2.

The South African Medal for War Services is a South African service medal for voluntary unpaid service in support of the war effort during the Second World War (between 6 September 1939 and 15 February 1946). The South African Medal for War Services was instituted by a Royal Warrant dated 29 December 1945, countersigned and sealed at Cape Town on 6 February 1946.

Altogether 17,500 medals were awarded to people of both sexes, irrespective of whether or not they were British subjects. The requirement was a minimum of two years service, of which at least one year was continuous, rendered voluntarily and without pay within or outside the borders of the Union of South Africa, in one or more of the officially recognized voluntary non-military organizations, such as the Red Cross and the Governor-General’s War Fund, with the proviso that five or more hours were worked every week.

The South African Medal for War Services Design

The medal is circular, struck in silver and measures 36 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick at the raised rim.

The obverse shows the years “1939” over “1945”, encircled by a wreath of protea flowers, all of which are surrounded by the name of the medal in English and Afrikaans, “SOUTH AFRICA” and “SUID-AFRIKA” above and “FOR WAR SERVICES • VIR OORLOGDIENSTE” below. The reverse bears the Coat of Arms of the Union of South Africa, with the medal number impressed at the bottom on the rim.

The ribbon has three equal stripes of red, white and blue (the national South African colors). The medal is affixed to the suspender by means of claws and a pin through the upper edge of the medal.

More Union of South Africa Medals