- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1970
- Country: South Africa
The Danie Theron Medal, designated by the post-nominal letters DTM, is a military honor established by the Republic of South Africa in 1970 and remained in use until 1993. Initially reserved for officers, it was made available to all ranks from 1975. This medal was conferred upon members of the Commandos, the rural defense component of the South African Defense Force, in recognition of exceptional diligence and outstanding service during times of peace or war.
Named after Danie Theron, a renowned Boer scout and guerrilla warrior distinguished for his valor during the Second Boer War, the medal honored individuals who demonstrated remarkable dedication in their service.
Eligibility criteria required recipients to be South African citizens with at least ten years of service in the South African Defense Force (SADF) and no previous awards for devotion to duty or diligent service.
The Danie Theron Medal Design
The Danie Theron Medal is a silver medallion, 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick. Its obverse side depicts an eagle with raised wings, with the inscription “DANIE THERON” around the top perimeter and “MEDALJE • MEDAL” at the bottom.
On the reverse side, the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms is featured, with the decoration number impressed at the bottom of the medal on the rim.
The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and is green, with three 4 millimeters wide yellow bands spaced 5 millimeters apart in the center. The green and yellow colors originate from the ribbon colors of the three awards instituted in 1920.
