International Force East Timor (INTERFET)

Context

The Government of Australia established the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) to provide security and maintain law and order throughout the territory of East Timor, and to establish an effective administration of civil and social service and to support capacity-building for self-government.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 30 days cumulative service in the area of operations between the 15 September 1999 to 10 April 2000.The area of operations includes:

• East Timor;
• The sea adjacent to East Timor to a distance of 12 nautical miles; and
• The CF staging base at Darwin, Australia.

Staff visits do not count as qualifying service.Members serving with United Nations Assistance Mission East Timor (UNAMET) do not qualify for this medal.

Description

The medal is of cast metal 38 millimetres in diameter of a textured surface with raised and polished outer edge, ensigned atop with the [Australian] Federation Star, bearing:

• on the obverse, a central design of an outline map of East Timor and its territories, contour raised and textured, over layered with an outline figure of the dove of peace with olive branch, surrounded by the words "INTERNATIONAL FORCE EAST TIMOR", with one spray of olive leaves at the bottom central edge, all raised and polished; and
• on the reverse, a central circular panel 27 millimetres across, surrounded by the words "TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR" both raised and polished.

The medal and hanging bar are stamped in one integral piece. The hanging bar is a straight, slotted bar with the seven-pointed Federation Star on both the obverse and reverse.

The ribbon consists of seven stripes: The blue represents the Air Force and the sea. The white represents the Navy and peace. The green represents the Army and building of a new nation. The red represents the turbulent past of East Timor.

Bar(s)

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner:

• on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the ECMMY medal and before the Canadian Centennial Medal.

Postnominals

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.