The Air Force Medal (AFM)
Overview
Instituted in 1918, the Air Force Medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men of the Air Force for displaying courage and devotion to duty while flying on operations that were not against an enemy. Only a very small number of AFMs were ever awarded to New Zealanders. In 1993, the AFM was replaced by the Air Force Cross for all ranks in the United Kingdom.
New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (for acts of gallantry) and by the New Zealand Bravery Decoration (for acts of bravery) replaced the Air Force Medal in New Zealand in 1999.
Description
The medal is silver in colour and oval in shape. The obverse bears the effigy of the sovereign. The reverse features an image of Hermes, mounted on a hawk in flight and bestowing a wreath. The image is encircled with a narrow laurel wreath. The Air Force Medal is attached to the ribbon with a silver winged suspender.
The ribbon consists of narrow diagonal stripes of red and white.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Air Force Medal is worn with medals for gallantry and bravery in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn after the Distinguished Flying Medal and before the King's Gallantry Medal.
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
The Air Force Medal is no longer awarded in New Zealand since the introduction of New Zealand's own system of Gallantry and Bravery awards in 1999.
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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.