The INTERFET Medal: recognise the commitment and sacrifice of those who served in the multinational peacekeeping mission in East Timor. A symbol of dedication and pursuit of peace. Read more..
The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal is an Australian military campaign medal established in 2000 to recognize the service of Australian Defence Force (ADF) and certain other personnel who participated in the INTERFET multinational peacekeeping mission in East Timor. The mission took place from September 1999 to February 2000, with the goal of restoring peace and stability in the region following the violence and civil unrest that occurred after the East Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia. The INTERFET Medal honors the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of those who served in this critical peacekeeping operation and acknowledges their efforts in the pursuit of peace and stability in East Timor.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the INTERFET Medal, personnel must have served in the designated operational area within East Timor or its adjacent waters and airspace between 16 September 1999 and 23 February 2000. The medal could be awarded to members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as certain civilians working directly for or in support of the military, such as civilian police and contractors. The minimum service requirement for the INTERFET Medal is 30 days of continuous service or 30 days of accumulated service within the qualifying period.
Design
The INTERFET Medal is a circular cast-metal medallion featuring an outlined map of East Timor, overlayed with a dove carrying an olive branch, and the words "INTERNATIONAL FORCE EAST TIMOR" circling the edge. The reverse of the medal is plain, with the words "TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR" around the edge.
Ribbon
The ribbon of the INTERFET Medal features a central stripe of red, flanked by stripes of green, white, and light blue. The coloours represent the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with white representing peace. The green represents re-growth, and the red symbolises East Timors turbulent past.
The INTERFET Medal is a symbol of the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force personnel and other individuals who participated in the multinational peacekeeping mission in East Timor. It is a testament to their dedication and commitment in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region and serves as a reminder of their role in helping the East Timorese people during a challenging period in their history.
