The General Service Medal 1962 with Clasp 'South Vietnam'

Eligibility

The General Service Medal 1962 was awarded for:

• Army - Service of 30 days or more, not necessarily continuous, in South Vietnam between 24 December 1962 and 28 May 1964 inclusive, while on the posted or attached strength of any unit or formation of Her Majesty's Forces in these territories.
• Air Force - Service of 30 days or more, not necessarily continuous, in South Vietnam between 24 December 1962 and 28 May 1964 inclusive, while on the posted or attached strength of any unit or formation of Her Majesty's Forces in these territories, or one sortie or more into South Vietnam by air crew personnel in direct support of operations.
• Civilians - Members of the following accredited philanthropic organisations serving with the Australian Army:
  •  Australian Red Cross;
  • Salvation Army;
  • Young Men's Christian Association; and 
  • Campaigners for Christ.

Description

The obverse shows the crowned head of Queen Elizabeth II, with titles, while the rather plain reverse has a crown and FOR/CAMPAIGN/SERVICE, in an oak wreath.  

The ribbon is violet with narrow green edges.  The medal is not issued without a bar.  A bar inscribed South Vietnam was issued with the medal.  

 Only 68 medals were issued to members of the ADF, all to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV).

References

Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Defence and Defence Related Awards

Collecting Medals and Decorations - Alec A Purves

Other research by Barry Saxby OAM and Clive Mitchell-Taylor JP

Image adapted from that kindly provided by Director of Honours and Awards, Department of Defence, April 1999