The International Force East Timor Medal (or INTERFET) recognizes members of the Australian Defence Force who served for 30 days (or 30 sorties) in East Timor during the INTERFET campaign – which lasted from 16 September 1999 to 10 April 2000. Australian Defence Force personnel are also recognized by the ‘East Timor’ clasp to the Australian Active Service Medal. Australia has also offered this medal to the other 16 nations that participated in the INTERFET operation.
The qualifying area comprises East Timor and the sea adjacent to East Timor out to a distance of 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the low watermark.
The International Force East Timor Medal Design
The medal is circular and struck in nickel silver. It’s surmounted by a connector piece, which features a raised Federation Star.
The obverse bears the outline of a dove holding an olive branch, as a symbol of peace. This outline is raised in polished white silver and is superimposed on a textured map of East Timor and Territories. ‘INTERNATIONAL FORCE EAST TIMOR‘ is inscribed on the inside of the medal rim.
The reverse features the wording ‘TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR‘.
The ribbon measures 32 millimeters wide and has a central red stripe, flanked by stripes of green, white, and pale blue. The white, green, and blue stripes represent the Navy, Army, and Air Force, with the dual representation of white for peace, blue for the sea surrounding East Timor and green for the regrowth of a new nation. The central red stripe represents the turbulent past of East Timor.
