- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 1975
- Country: United Kingdom & Commonwealth, New Zealand, Australia
The Papua New Guinea Independence Medal was established in 1975 to mark Papua New Guinea’s transition from self-government to full independence from Australia.
It is part of the Papua New Guinea honors system.
Notable recipients of this medal include:
The Papua New Guinea Independence Medal Design
There are three versions of the Papua New Guinea Independence Medal.
The first version was introduced in 1975 and features the inscriptions “ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” and “PAPUA NEW GUINEA INDEPENDENCE 1975.” It was awarded from 1973 to 1975 to defense force members and citizens in recognition of outstanding service. This medal has a ring suspension and a smooth surface.
The second version was introduced in 1985 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of independence. It was awarded to civilian and military personnel who made significant contributions to the state since independence. This version bears the inscriptions “PAPUA NEW GUINEA ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” and “INDEPENDENCE 1975-1985.” It also has a ring suspension and a smooth surface.
The third version was introduced in 2005 to mark the 30th anniversary of independence. The obverse inscription reads “30TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY 1975-2005.” This version features a bar suspension and a rayed surface.
