- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 27 April 2003
- Country: South Africa
The Medalje vir Troue Diens – Medal for Loyal Service was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, and became effective on April 27, 2003. It is eligible for presentation to all ranks who have demonstrated impeccable character and conduct, and have completed ten years of qualifying service.
The medal is eligible for presentation to all ranks of the South African National Defence Force and any Auxiliary Service of the South African National Defence Force, provided their character and conduct have been impeccable. Additionally, recipients must have completed ten years of qualifying service, regardless of whether it was continuous, starting from April 27, 2003, onwards. Posthumous awards of both the medal and its bars are permissible.
Qualifying service encompasses prior service in the constituent permanent or part-time forces of the SANDF, as well as other former uniformed institutions like the Police forces and Prisons services of South Africa, the Republics of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei, and the Self-Governing Territories.
About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)
Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service Design
The Medalje vir Troue Diens – Medal for Loyal Service is circular and made of nickel-silver, with a diameter of 38 millimeters and a raised, evenly scalloped edge. Its obverse side features the coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa in relief.
On the reverse side, the medal displays the emblem of the South African National Defence Force at the top. Below, the words “VIR TROUE DIENS” are inscribed in relief around the lower perimeter, with the medal number impressed between the emblem and the inscription. The medal is attached to a plain nickel-silver suspender fixed to the upper rim.
The ribbon is 32 millimeters wide and colored national flag green. It features a 3 millimeter wide national flag red band and a 3 millimeter wide white band on the left edge, as well as a 3 millimeter wide white band and a 3 millimeter wide national flag blue band on the right edge.
