The New Zealand Gallantry Decoration (NZGD) is the third level military decoration of the New Zealand armed forces.
It was instituted by Royal Warrant on 20 September 1999 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet - Honours Secretariat information page as part of the new indigenous New Zealand Gallantry system. The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of 'acts of exceptional gallantry in situations of danger' while involved in war and warlike operational service (including peacekeeping).
Bars are awarded to the NZGS in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters "N.Z.G.D.".
This medal replaced the award of the Distinguished Service Cross, Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Military Medal, Distinguished Flying Medal, and Air Force Medal.
Recipients NameRankUnitCampaignDate of actionJohn Clinton Lionel OxenhamChief petty officerRoyal New Zealand NavyUnited Nations Mission in Cambodia1–4 December 1992 John Charles DyerLieutenant colonelRoyal Regiment of New Zealand ArtilleryUnited Nations Mission in Sierra Leone6 January 1999Logan Charles CudbySquadron leaderRoyal New Zealand Air ForceUnited Nations Mission in East TimorJune–September 1999Phillip Murray CheaterPrivateRoyal New Zealand Infantry RegimentUnited Nations Mission in East Timor24 July 2000BCorporalNew Zealand Special Air ServiceWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)2004CCaptainNew Zealand Special Air ServiceWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)2004Allister Donald BakerLance corporalRoyal New Zealand Infantry RegimentWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)3 August 2010 Matthew John BallCorporalRoyal New Zealand Corps of SignalsWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)3 August 2010 HUndisclosedNew Zealand Special Air ServiceWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)2011WUndisclosedNew Zealand Special Air ServiceWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)2011Leon Kristopher SmithLance corporalNew Zealand Special Air ServiceWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)19 August 2011David John DuncanSergeantRoyal New Zealand Armoured CorpsWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)4 August 2012
See also Orders, decorations, and medals of New Zealand New Zealand gallantry awards New Zealand bravery awards New Zealand campaign medals
Notes
References Mackay, J and Mussel, J (eds) - Medals Yearbook - 2005, (2004), Token Publishing.
External links New Zealand Defence Force - Medal information page New Zealand Defence Force - Text of the Royal warrant for the New Zealand Gallantry awards system