The New Zealand Gallantry Star (NZGS) is the second level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
| New Zealand Gallantry Star | |
|---|---|
 Obverse of the medal | |
| Type | Military decoration. |
| Awarded for | "acts of outstanding gallantry in situations of danger" while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping). |
| Description | 45mm, (Obverse) faceted silver eight-pointed star of equal points surmounted by the Royal Crown and fern frond wreath emblem; (reverse) inscribed "FOR GALLANTRY - MO TE TOANGA". With ring suspension. |
| Presented by | New Zealand |
| Eligibility | New Zealand and allied forces. |
| Status | Currently awarded. |
| Established | 20 September 1999 |
| First awarded | 5 June 2000[1] |
| Last awarded | 3 December 2015[1] |
| Founder | Elizabeth II |
| Total | 5 |
_ribbon.png){kind=small} Ribbon: 32mm, crimson with a purple central stripe flanked by narrower white stripes. | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit[2] |
| Next (lower) | New Zealand Bravery Star[2] |
It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999[3] as part of the move to replace British gallantry awards with an indigenous New Zealand Gallantry system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of "acts of outstanding gallantry in situations of danger" while involved in war or 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.S.".[4]
This medal replaced the award of the Distinguished Service Order (when awarded for gallantry), the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Recipients
edit| Name | Rank | Unit | Campaign | Date of action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neville John Reilly | Colonel | Colonel’s List, New Zealand Army | United Nations Mission in East Timor | June - September 1999 |
| David Steven Askin | Corporal | New Zealand Special Air Service | War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) | 2011 |
| J | Undisclosed | New Zealand Special Air Service | War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) | 28 June 2011 |
| Albert Henry Moore | Corporal | Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment | War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) | 3 August 2011 |
| Geoffrey Michael Faraday | Major | Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps | United Nations Mission in South Sudan | 17 - 29 April 2014 |
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ a b "New Zealand gallantry awards". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
- ^ a b "Order of Wear: Orders, Decorations and Medals in New Zealand". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
- ^ "New Zealand Gallantry Awards". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
- ^ "NZDF Medals - The New Zealand Gallantry Star (NZGS)". medals.nzdf.mil.nz. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
References
edit- Mackay, J and Mussel, J (eds) - Medals Yearbook - 2005, (2004), Token Publishing.