These are the medals that
the men of the 42nd Battalion are entitled to wear.
The 1939/45 Star
The Pacific Star
1939/45 War Medal
Australian Service Medal
The men were also
entitled to wear the
Returned
from Active Service Badge
on their civilian
clothing.
Some of the men were
awarded these honours.
Military
Medal (MM) and it's sister medal the Military Cross were
created to recognize the gallantry of other ranks and junior
officers in the field. The two were awarded for "Bravery in the
Field" (ORs) and "Gallantry in the Field" (Officers) the
only difference being that the MC was for officers (although not
above the rank of captain), and the MM for other ranks. In both
cases, additional awards are indicated by silver bars worn over the
ribbon. These awards equate with the DSO but at
different rank levels and as the DSO is for Majors and above it
is rarely awarded for personal "gallantry", more often for
"distinguished service".
Mentioned in
Dispatches (MID). A
soldier would be "Mentioned in Dispatches" for 'conspicuous
service'. It may be for bravery or for
exemplary service of another sort. A bronze oak leaf is awarded and worn
(for WW2 recipients) on the ribbon of the 1939/45 War Medal (see above).
It was accompanied by a copy of the Kings Order.
