- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1961
- Country: South Africa
The Permanent Force Good Service Medal was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1961, coinciding with South Africa’s transition to a republic, as a replacement for the Union Medal. It was bestowed upon Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force in recognition of eighteen years of commendable service and conduct.
This medal honored Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force for their eighteen years of dedicated service. Additionally, a clasp could be conferred for thirty years of service.
The Permanent Force Good Service Medal Design
The Permanent Force Good Service Medal is a circular medallion featuring a scalloped edge and raised rim, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick at the rim. Crafted in silver, it showcases the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms. Adorning the ribbon suspender are decorations of proteas and leaves.
On the reverse side, inscriptions read “VIR LANGDURIGE DIENS EN GOEIE GEDRAG” and “FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT”, with a raised rim and decorated ribbon suspender mirroring those on the obverse. The medals and ribbon suspenders were separately minted and later joined by soldering. The medal number was either stamped or engraved at the bottom of the rim.
The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width, featuring three bands of orange, white, and blue, repeated three times. The outer orange and blue bands are each 4 millimeters wide, while the seven inner bands are approximately 3½ millimeters wide. These colors—orange, white, and blue—are taken from the pre-1994 national flag. It bears an identical resemblance to the ribbon of the Union Medal.
