The Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Overview
Instituted in 1918, the Distinguished Flying Medal was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men of the Air Force for displaying courage and devotion to duty while flying on active operations. During the Second World War, its coverage was extended to Army and Fleet Air Arm personnel engaged in similar operations. Approximately 200 DFMs were awarded to New Zealanders for actions during the Second World War. In 1993, the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) replaced the DFM for all ranks in the United Kingdom. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration replaced the DFM in 1999.
Description
The Distinguished Flying Medal is silver in colour and oval in shape. The obverse bears the effigy of the Sovereign. The reverse features an image of the Goddess Nike seated on an aircraft and holding a hawk. To her left is the inscription "FOR COURAGE".
The DFM is connected to the ribbon by a suspender of silver-coloured wings.
The ribbon consists of alternating purple and white diagonal stripes.
Bars were awarded for subsequent acts of bravery.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The Distinguished Flying Medal is worn with medals for gallantry and bravery in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn after the Military Medal and before the Air Force 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 Distinguished Flying 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.