TONGA
MEDALS
The Gallantry Cross (Loto To‘a ‘i he Kolosi): instituted by King George Tupou V in 2011. Awarded in two divisions, military and civil in a single class, a silver gilt cross worn from a neck ribbon.
The Gallantry Cross, military division ribbon (L), civil division ribbon (R).
The ‘Uluafi Medal of Merit (Metali Faka’ilonga Lavame’a Lahi):founded by King Sia’osi Taufa’ahau Tupou IV in September 1971 to reward high services to the state. Awarded in three classes (1. ‘Uluafi Gold Medal (Metali Koula ‘Uluafi), 2. ‘Uluafi Silver Medal (Metali Siliva ‘Uluafi), and 3. ‘Uluafi Bronze Medal (Metali Polonisi ‘Uluafi)).
The ‘Uluafu Medal of Merit - First Class in Gold, obverse (L), Second Class in Silver, reverse (C) and Third Class in Bronze, observse (R)
The Tongan Medal of Merit: instituted by Queen Salote Tupou III on 9th April 1956 to reward distinguished services to the state. Awarded in a single grade, a circular silver medal.
The Medal of the Royal Military Order of St George: instituted by King George Tupou V in 2009 to reward distinguished and meritorious military services by members of the uniformed services, including the Tonga Defence Services. Awarded in three classes (1. First Class in gold, 2. Second Class in silver, and 3. Third Class in copper). The medal is associated with the Royal Military Order of St George.
The Medal of the Royal Order of St George, second class in silver.
King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Coronation Silver Jubilee Medal (Metali Fakalangilangi ‘o e Siupeli Siliva ‘o e Hilifaki Kalauni ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio Taufa’ahau Tupou IV): instituted by King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV on 4th July 1992 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his coronation in 1967. Awarded in a single grade, a circular silver medal.
King George Tupou V Coronation Medal (Metali Fakalangilangi ‘o e Hilifaki Kalauni ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, Siaosi Tupou V): instituted by King George Tupou V 31st July 2008 to commemorate his coronation. Awarded in a single grade, a frosted gilt medal.
King Tupou VI Coronation Medal (Metali Fakalangilangi ‘o e Hilifaki Kalauni ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, Tupou VI): instituted by King Tupou VI on 4th July 2015 to commemorate his Coronation. Awarded in a single grade, a circular medal in frosted gilt.
King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Silver Jubilee Medal (L), King George Tupou V Coronation Medal (C) and King Tupou VI Coronation Medal (R).
The General Service Medal: instituted by King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV on 4th July 1995 to reward meritorious services of a general nature, mainly to the Tonga Defence Services but also on occasion to members of the police, uniformed emergency services and civilians. Issued in one class, with named clasps for particular campaigns or actions.
The Campaign Medal (Metali Kemipeini): instituted by King George Tupou V in 2008 to recognise the services of members of the Tongan contingents serving in conflicts overseas, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. Awarded in a single grade, a circular silver medal.
The General Service Medal (L) and the Campaign Medal (R).
Tonga Police Medal of Valour (Metali Loto To’a ‘a e Polisi Tonga): instituted by King Tupou VI on 1515th May 2019 to provide for the recognition of members of the Tonga Police who have performed acts of exceptional courage and skill; or exhibited conspicuous devotion to duty. Awarded in a single class, a sliver gilt cross.
Tonga Police Medal of Valour.
Tonga Police Overseas Service Medal (Solomon Islands) (Metali ki he Fakahoko Fatongia ki Muli ‘a e Polisi Tonga - Ngaahi ‘Otu Motu Solomone): instituted by King Tupou VI on 15th May 2019 as a reward for officers and other ranks of the Tonga Police Services in recognition of service with the International Peace Monitoring Team or the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands since 2001. Awarded in a single grade, a circular medal in silver.
The Tonga Defence Services Meritorious Service Medal (L) and the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (R).
The Second World War Silver Jubilee Medal (Metali ‘o e Siupeli Siliva ‘o e Tau Hono Ua): instituted by King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV to commemorate the 25th anniversary of service by Tongan troops during the Second World War. Awarded in a single class, a circular silver medal.
Tonga Defence Services Meritorious Service Medal (Metali ki he Fakahoko Fatongia Lelei ‘a e Tau Malu’i Fonua ‘a Tonga): instituted by King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV on 4th March 1995 to reward officers and other ranks of the military and police forces in recognition of distinguished or meritorious service. Awarded in a single grade, a frosted gilt medal. A silver clasp in gilt with a crown in the centre may be awarded in recognition of further meritorious services.
Tonga Police Meritorious Service Medal (Metali ki he Fakahoko Fatongia Makehe ‘a e Polisi Tonga): instituted by King Tupou VI on 15th May 2019 as a reward for officers and other ranks of the Tonga Police Services in recognition of outstanding and exemplary service to communities, Tonga and the police. Awarded in a single grade, a circular medal in silver. A silver clasp in plain silver with a crown in the centre may be awarded in recognition of further meritorious services.
The Tonga Defence Services Long Service and Good Conduct Medal: instituted by King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV to reward officers and other ranks of the Tonga Defence Services in recognition of long service and good conduct. Awarded in a single grade, a circular medal in frosted silver. A silver clasp in plain silver with a crown in the centre may be awarded for each additional 10 years of service.
Tonga Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Metali ki he Fakahoko Fatongia Fuoloa mo ‘Ulungaanga Lelei ‘a e Polisi Tonga): instituted by King Tupou VI on 15th May 2019 as a reward for officers and other ranks of the Tonga Police Services in recognition of long service and good conduct of 18 years or more. Awarded in a single grade, a circular medal in silver. A silver clasp in plain silver with a crown in the centre may be awarded for each additional 10 years of service.
The Royal Household Medal - First Class (L), Second Class (C) and Third Class (R).
The Royal Houshold Medal: instituted by King George Tupou V in 2009 to reward loyal and personal service to the sovereign by members of the Royal Household and others. Awarded in three classes (1. First Class in gold, 2. Second Class in silver, and 3. Third Class in copper). The Royal Household Medal is associated with the Order of the Royal Household.
Tonga Police Civilian Long Service Award (Pale ki he Siviliane Ngaue Fuoloa ‘a e Polisi Tonga): instituted by King Tupou VI on 15th May 2019 to reward long service of no less than eighteen years in the Tonga Police. Awarded in three grades (1. The Gold Badge, for a minimum of 38 years of service. 2. The Silver Badge, for a minimum of 28 years of service. 3. The Bronze Badge, for a minimum of 18 years of service.)
The Queen’s Certificate of Commendation for Bravery: instituted by Queen Salote Tupou III on 9th April 1956.
Copyright© Christopher Buyers, May 2001 - June 2024