New Zealand Gallantry Decoration

New Zealand Gallantry Decoration
Obverse of the medal. Ribbon: 32mm, seven narrow vertical stripes of crimson, white, crimson, purple, crimson, white, and crimson..
Awarded by New Zealand
Type	Military decoration.
Eligibility	New Zealand and allied forces.
Awarded for	"acts of exceptional gallantry in situations of danger" while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping).
Status	Currently awarded.
Description	46mm, (Obverse) faceted silver cross surmounted by the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem; (reverse) inscribed "FOR GALLANTRY - MO TE TOANGA". With ring suspension.
Statistics
Established	20 September 1999
Total awarded	6
Precedence
Next (higher)	New Zealand Gallantry Star
Next (lower)	New Zealand Gallantry Medal

The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD) is the third level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.

It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999^[1] as part of the new indigenous New Zealand Gallantry system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of 'acts of exceptional gallantry in situations of danger' while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping).

Bars are awarded to the NZGS in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters NZGD.

This medal replaced the award of the Distinguished Service Cross, Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Military Medal, Distinguished Flying Medal, and Air Force Medal.

See also

• Orders, decorations, and medals of New Zealand
• New Zealand gallantry awards
• New Zealand bravery awards
• New Zealand campaign medals

Notes

1. ^ http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/overview/gallantry.html Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Honours Secretariat information page

References

• Mackay, J and Mussel, J (eds) - Medals Yearbook - 2005, (2004), Token Publishing.

External links

• New Zealand Defence Force - Medal information page
• New Zealand Defence Force - Text of the Royal warrant for the New Zealand Gallantry awards system