The King's Gallantry Medal (KGM)
Overview
The King's Gallantry Medal (KGM), formerly the Queen's Gallantry Medal (QGM), was instituted in 1974 to replace the British Empire Medal for Gallantry. It was primarily awarded to civilians for exemplary acts of bravery, however, it was also awarded to military personnel where a military decoration was not considered appropriate.
In 1999 the QGM was replaced in New Zealand by the New Zealand Bravery Decoration.
Description
The King's Gallantry Medal is silver in colour and circular in shape. The obverse bears the effigy and titles of the Sovereign. There are two versions featuring Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. The reverse features a Royal Crown above the words 'THE QUEEN'S GALLANTRY MEDAL' or 'THE KING'S GALLANTRY MEDAL'. The inscription is flanked by laurel sprigs.
The ribbon has blue edges bordering a central stripe of pearl grey, containing a narrow stripe of rose pink. The grey and rose colours symbolise the Order of the British Empire, which the medal replaced.
A silver bar decorated with laurel leaves may be awarded for subsequent acts of gallantry worthy of recognition. When only the ribbon is worn, a silver rosette denotes an additional award.
Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters "Q.G.M" or "K.G.M.".
Queries & requests
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Wearing this medal
The King's Gallantry Medal (formerly the Queen's Gallantry Medal) is worn with medals for gallantry and bravery in the New Zealand Order of Wear. It is always worn after the Air Force Medal and before the New Zealand 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 midal
The King's Gallantry 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.