- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1952
- Country: South Africa
The Union Medal was established by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It honored Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force who exhibited eighteen years of exemplary service and conduct.
This medal recognized Permanent Force members of the South African Defence Force for their dedicated eighteen years of service. Additionally, a clasp could be awarded for thirty years of service.
The South African Union Medal Design
The Union Medal is a circular medallion with a scalloped edge and raised rim, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters thick at the rim. Crafted in silver, it features the pre-1994 South African coat of arms surrounded by the inscription “UNIE-MEDALJE • UNION MEDAL”. The ribbon suspender is adorned with proteas and leaves.
On the reverse side, Queen Elizabeth II’s royal cipher, represented by a crown over “E II R”, is depicted, also with a raised rim and decorated ribbon suspender similar to those on the obverse. The medals and ribbon suspenders were produced separately and later joined by soldering. The medal number was impressed at the bottom of the rim.
The ribbon is 32 millimeters wide, featuring repeated bands of orange, white, and blue, each appearing 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 drawn from the pre-1994 national flag.
