Iraq Medal

Description

The Iraq Medal is a military campaign medal established in 2004 to recognize the service of ADF personnel who participated in the Iraq War, which took place from 2003 to 2011. The war was fought between a coalition led by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries against the government of Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein. The Iraq Medal honors the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served in this controversial conflict and acknowledges their efforts in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

Eligibility

The medal was initially awarded to ADF personnel for a minimum period of 7 days service in the designated areas from March 2003. From May 2003 this was extended to 30 days.

Design

The Iraq Medal is designed as a circular, cupro-nickel medallion featuring the Australian Coat of Arms on the obverse. The reverse of the medal displays an image of a lion standing on a plinth, symbolizing power and balance, with the word "IRAQ" inscribed below.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the Iraq medal is sand-yellow, with central stripes of dark purple and red.

The Iraq Medal is a symbol of the service and sacrifice of ADF personnel who served during the Iraq War. It is a testament to their dedication and commitment in the pursuit of peace and stability in a challenging and complex conflict and serves as a reminder of their role in shaping the future of Iraq and the wider region.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the Iraq Medal: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

Iraq Medal: mounting options explained

Every replica medal can be supplied loose or mounted ready to wear. Here's how the options differ, so you can choose the right one.

Court mounted Required for serving ADF members

The medals are fixed to a stiff backing board so they sit flat and stay in line while worn. It's the neatest presentation, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force are required to wear their medals court mounted.

Swing mounted Traditional style

Each medal hangs freely from its ribbon below a top bar. This was the usual style from the Boer War through to World War II, and there are no fixed rules about who can wear it.

Ribbon bar For everyday uniform wear

Just the ribbons, mounted in order of precedence on a small bar. Ribbon bars are worn on uniform day to day, when full medals would be impractical.

Unmounted Medal and ribbon supplied separately

The medal and ribbon come as separate parts, ready for you or your mounter to assemble. Full size medals come with 30cm of ribbon and miniatures with 15cm.

Full size or miniature?

Miniatures are mounted the same way at a smaller scale. They're worn at evening and formal events, generally anything after 6pm such as dinners, where full size medals would be impractical.

Pin or magnetic?

Every style comes with a traditional pin or a magnetic fitting. Magnetic mounts hold firmly without putting holes in your jacket or uniform, and are easier to put on and take off, which helps anyone with limited dexterity.