Pacific Star medal and Australian Service medal
Dateafter 1945
Object number00034313
NameMedals
MediumMetal (copper zinc alloy and nickel silver), cotton
DimensionsOverall: 99 x 70 x 2 mm, 60 g
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jack Gill
DescriptionThis Pacific Star medal and Australian Service medal were awarded to Frederick John Gill (Jack) for service in World War II. Each medal features Gill's initials 'FJ Gill' and his service number NX190884 engraved on the reverse. The service number is prefixed by two letters - the N indicates Gill enlisted in the Army in New South Wales, and X indicates he served in the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Gill's relative John Henry Robert Gill joined the Royal Australian Navy and his medals were also donated to the museum.HistoryThe Pacific Star medal is a six-pointed star which features a Royal and Imperial cypher on the obverse surrounded by the words 'The Pacific Star', surmounted by a crown. The Pacific Star was awarded for at least one days operational service with the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy in the Pacific theatre of war (Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea) from 8 December 1941 to 2 September 1945. The green and yellow of the ribbon represents the forests and beaches of the Pacific, the red the Armies, the dark blue the Naval Forces and the Merchant Navies, and the light blue the Air Forces.
The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945 features a crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse, with the Australian Coat of Arms surrounded by the words, 'The Australia Service Medal 1939-1945' on the reverse. The medal was awarded to members of the Australian Armed Forces, the Mercantile Marine and civilian personnel who served full-time overseas for a minimum of 30 days (or 90 days part-time service) between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. The khaki of the ribbon represents the Australian Military Forces, the red represents the Merchant Navy, the dark blue represents the Royal Navy and the light blue represents the Royal Australian Air Force.
Members of the Australian Armed Forces and the Mercantile Marine, along with other Armed Forces of the British Commonwealth, were entitled to Campaign Stars, the Defence Medal, and the War Medal which were authorised for the British Forces.
SignificanceThese medals are important national symbols of the Australian military personnel who served in World War II.
