- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1965
- Country: South Africa
The De Wet Decoration, designated by post-nominal letters DWD, was established by the Republic of South Africa in 1965 as a military long service award. Initially, it was exclusively granted to officers serving in the Commandos, the rural civil defense division of the South African Defence Force, in recognition of twenty years of commendable service and exemplary conduct. However, in 1986, eligibility for the decoration was extended to all ranks within the Commandos.
Recipients of the De Wet Decoration could be honored with a clasp after completing thirty years of dedicated service. In instances where the decoration is not worn, individuals holding the clasp adorn a button featuring the letters “DWD” enclosed within a circle on their ribbon bar.
The De Wet Decoration Design
The De Wet Decoration is a circular silver medallion, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter and 3 millimeters in thickness. It features an image of General Christiaan de Wet on horseback during the Second Boer War, surrounded by a wreath of proteas. The inscription “DEKORASIE ~ DE WET ~ DECORATION” borders the depiction.
On the reverse side, the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms is displayed, with the decoration number impressed or engraved beneath it.
The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and consists of alternating bands of green, white, and yellow. Specifically, there is a 3 millimeters wide green band, followed by a 2 millimeters wide white band, and an 8 millimeters wide yellow band. These bands are repeated in reverse order, separated by a 6 millimeters wide dark blue band positioned at the center.
