Operational Service Medal (DR Congo)

Operational Service Medal (DR Congo)

Medal

Silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth. The reverse bears the Union Flag, surrounded by the inscription ‘For Operational Service’ and the four major points of the compass, with four Coronets: Royal (top left), Naval (top right), Mural-Army (bottom left), and Astral-Royal Air Force (bottom right).

Clasp

'DROC'. Medal issued with Clasp in every case. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette will also be worn.

Ribbon

A broad central red stripe, flanked each side by a stripe of royal blue and one of light blue, to represent the three services, with an outer stripe of ochre to reflect the landscape of the Congo.

Qualifying criteria

Medal with Clasp awarded to those personnel with 25 days continuous service between 14 June - 10 September 2003 on Op Coral within the boundaries of the Ituri Province.

Full details are laid out in 2005DIN 01-012.

About the OSM

The new Operational Service Medal (OSM) was introduced on 1 January 2000 and at the same time the General Service Medal (GSM) was discontinued, with the exception of the award of the GSM for Northern Ireland. Since its introduction, three OSMs have been issued: for service in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although each OSM will look the same, separate ribbons will denote each separate award. A Clasp may be awarded with the OSM to signify service in a more dangerous area or period of conflict.