ESDP Service Medal for Op Althea
Overview
The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) Service Medal was established by he European Union (EU) in 2003 to provide recognition to those who serve in EU-led crisis management operations. In 2006, Her Majesty The Queen gave Her approval for the unrestricted acceptance and wear of the ESDP Medal by eligible NZDF personnel.
Between 1996 and 2007 the NZDF provided personnel to serve on various peace support missions in Bosnia. Between 1996 and 2004, these missions were NATO-led, but from 2 December 2004 the European Union took over leadership of the European Union Force (EUFOR) which supported the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the EUFOR mission was to help Bosnia and Herzegovina make the transition to a safe and secure environment, following years of ethnic-based conflict. This mission was also known as OP ALTHEA.
The Chief of Defence Force gave approval in 2006 for those personnel who have been awarded a NATO medal for service in Bosnia on or before 1 December 2004, and who completed the qualifying service for the award of the ESDP Service Medal after 2 December 2004, to wear both medals on NZDF uniform.
Description
The medal is circular and silver in colour. The obverse features a circle of 12 stars, the emblem of the European Union. The reverse bears the Latin inscription “PRO PACE UNUM”.
The ribbon is blue with a central stripe of yellow gold for personnel serving in theatre or a central stripe of white for HQ personnel.
The medal for service with OPERATION ALTHEA is issued with the bar 'ALTHEA'. Other mission bars include 'EUPM', 'ARTEMIS', 'CONCORDIA' and 'PROXIMA'.
Eligibility
The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) Service Medal was awarded to New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel for 30 days of service between 2 December 2004 and 30 June 2007 in the European Union Force (EUFOR) which supported the peace agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The ESDP Service Medal for Op Althea is worn as a campaign medal in the New Zealand Order of Wear. Campaign medals are worn in order of date of participation in the campaign, operation, or peacekeeping mission for which the medal was awarded. This includes United Nations, NATO mission, and European Union mission medals. As a result, different individuals may mount their medals in different orders depending on the time served in theatre.
For more information on how to wear and care for honours, medals, and awards:
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Checking eligibility and applying for this medal
NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals (PAM) does not approve or issue foreign medals awarded to New Zealanders.
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Checking if this medal was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.