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Miniature circular cupro-nickel medal with loop and ribbon bar decorated with olive branches and palm fronds; the face with the arms of the Republic of Malta, dated ‘1992’ below; the reverse with the George Cross centrally, circumscribed in Maltese and English ‘BHALA XHIEDA TA’ EROIZMU U DEDIKAZZJONI TO BEAR WITNESS TO HEROISM AND DEVOTION’, a Maltese cross at the top, dated ‘1942’ at the base; diameter 19.31mm (0.76 inch); on original ribbon.
The Medal was instituted by the President of the Republic on 17 January 1992 to be awarded to members of the Allied Armed Forces and Merchant Marine, Maltese civilians and Boy Scouts Service for qualifying service on Malta between 10 June 1940 and 8 September 1943.
The Medal commemorates the award of the George Cross to the island of Malta on 15 April 1942 ‘to bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people’ during the siege by Axis forces in the early years of World War II.
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