New Zealand Gallantry Decoration

New Zealand Gallantry Decoration
Obverse of the medal
TypeMilitary decoration.
Awarded for"acts of exceptional gallantry in situations of danger" while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping).
Description46mm, (Obverse) faceted silver cross surmounted by the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem; (reverse) inscribed "FOR GALLANTRY - MO TE TOANGA". With ring suspension.
Presented byNew Zealand
EligibilityNew Zealand and allied forces.
StatusCurrently awarded.
Established20 September 1999
FounderElizabeth II
Total12[1]
Ribbon: 32mm, seven narrow vertical stripes of crimson, white, crimson, purple, crimson, white, and crimson
Precedence
Next (higher)Member of The New Zealand Order of Merit[2]
Next (lower)New Zealand Bravery Decoration[2]

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[3] 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 "N.Z.G.D.".[4]

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.

Recipients

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Name Rank Unit Campaign Date of action
John Clinton Lionel Oxenham Chief petty officer Royal New Zealand Navy United Nations Mission in Cambodia 1-4 December 1992
John Charles Dyer Lieutenant colonel Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone 6 January 1999
Logan Charles Cudby Squadron leader Royal New Zealand Air Force United Nations Mission in East Timor June-September 1999
Phillip Murray Cheater Private Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment United Nations Mission in East Timor 24 July 2000
B Corporal New Zealand Special Air Service War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 2004
C Captain New Zealand Special Air Service War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 2004
Allister Donald Baker Lance corporal Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 3 August 2010
Matthew John Ball Corporal Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 3 August 2010
H Undisclosed New Zealand Special Air Service War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 2011
W Undisclosed New Zealand Special Air Service War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 2011
Leon Kristopher Smith Lance corporal New Zealand Special Air Service War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 19 August 2011
David John Duncan Sergeant Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) 4 August 2012

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ "New Zealand gallantry awards". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Order of Wear: Orders, Decorations and Medals in New Zealand". www.honours.govt.nz/honours. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
  3. ^ "DPMC - New Zealand Honours: Gallantry Awards". Archived from the original on 7 December 2006. Retrieved 30 January 2007. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Honours Secretariat information page
  4. ^ "NZDF Medals - The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD)". medals.nzdf.mil.nz. Retrieved 22 June 2020.

References

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