- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 2018
- Country: Great Britain
The Operational Service Medal Iraq and Syria (also known as Operation Shader Medal) is a British armed forces campaign medal awarded mostly to military personnel who served in the operational area of, or in support of Operation Shader.
The Operational Service Medal (Iraq and Syria) was first announced by former Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon on 19 September 2017 and was first awarded in July 2018 in London by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. The medal is awarded either for 30 days continuous, or 45 days cumulative, service in theatre.
The Operational Service Medal Iraq and Syria Qualifying Criteria
This Operational Service Medal is the first to be awarded to individuals who served outside of the operational area, reflecting the changing nature of warfare. The Operational Service Medal (OSM) was established in 1999 to replace the General Service Medal (1962) for all new operations.
Clasp: Iraq & Syria clasp awarded to those recipients who served in the operational area. A silver rosette denotes the clasp when worn on the ribbon bar.
The Operational Service Medal Iraq and Syria Design
The Operational Service Medal for Iraq and Syria is struck in silver and circular in shape.
The obverse shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID. DEF.
The reverse displays the Union Flag, surrounded by the inscription FOR OPERATIONAL SERVICE and the four major points of the compass with, between the points, four Coronets: Royal (top left), Naval (top right), Mural-Army (bottom left), and Astral-Royal Air Force (bottom right).
The ribbon is a broad central red stripe, flanked each side by a stripe of navy blue and one of light blue, to represent the three services, with an outer stripe of grey.
The General Service Medal Variants
The OSM has been awarded for four separate campaigns, each with a distinctive ribbon. The other three are:
