The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal recognises members of the Australian Defence Force who served in East Timor during the INTERFET campaign 16 September 1999 10 April 2000).
About the award: The events leading to the independence of our neighbour, East Timor, touched Australians deeply. The service by Australian personnel in East Timor was Australia's most significant commitment of troops since World War II. Australia led the INTERFET coalition of 17 nations, and the leadership and courage of participating personnel will long be remembered. On 7 March 2000, the Prime Minister the Hon. John Howard MP, announced the establishment of a specific campaign medal to honour members of the Australian Defence Force in East Timor. Australia has invited other nations, which contributed personnel to INTERFET, to honour their defence force members with the International Force East Timor Medal. This is the first time an Australian medal has been extended in this way. The International Force East Timor Medal was formally introduced by Letters Patent on 25 March 2000.
In 1999, Australia led the international force that saw the removal of the occupying Indonesian power from the former Portuguese territory of East Timor. To recognise the importance of this operation, the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal was established in 2000. As well as being awarded to members of the ADF, the INTERFET Medal was offered by Australia to all countries that provided contingents to the International Force in East Timor.
The Medal
The INTERFET Medal is a cast metal medal with the obverse having an outline map of East Timor and its territories, combined with an outline figure of the dove of peace with olive branch, surrounded by the words ‘INTERNATIONAL FORCE EAST TIMOR'. The reverse has the words ‘TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR' around the circumference.
The Ribbon
The ribbon has a central red stripe, flanked by stripes of green, white and pale blue. The white, green and blue stripes represent the Navy, Army and Air Force, with dual representation of white for peace, blue for the sea surrounding East Timor and green for the regrowth of a new nation. The central red stripe represents the turbulent past of East Timor.
Eligibility
The basic eligibility requirement for the INTERFET Medal is 30 days service in the prescribed area during the period 16 Sep 99 – 10 Apr 00.
