Rhodesian District Service Medal
The District Service Medal (DSM) was a medal awarded in lieu of the General Service Medal (Rhodesia) (GSM) for service on operations undertaken for the purpose of combating terrorists or enemy incursions into Rhodesia. It was awarded solely to African members of INTAF in uniform. This is unusual as non-whites in all other branches qualified for the GSM or the Prison Service Medal (PSM). The DSM is therefore the only racially exclusive service medal in the Rhodesian Honours System.
| District Service Medal (Rhodesia) | |
|---|---|
  Obverse and reverse of the medal to 196653C DSA Dube, S. | |
| Type | Internal Affairs (INTAF) campaign medal |
| Awarded for | Service on operations combating terrorists or enemy incursions into Rhodesia. |
| Description | Obverse is a bust of Cecil Rhodes' head, as on the General Service Medal (Rhodesia). Reverse contains the words "FOR SERVICE" surrounded by a wreath of flame lillies. |
| Country | %253B_Flag_of_Rhodesia_(1965%E2%80%931968).svg.png.webp){kind=small} Rhodesia 1965–70).svg.png.webp){kind=small} Republic of Rhodesia (1970–79).svg.png.webp){kind=small} Zimbabwe Rhodesia |
| Eligibility | African members of INTAF. |
| Campaign(s) | Rhodesian Bush War |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Order of Wear | |
| Next (higher) | General Service Medal (Rhodesia) |
| Next (lower) | Prison Service Medal |
Medal
The medal bares a relief portrait of Cecil Rhodes on the obverse and the words "FOR SERVICE" surrounded by a wreath of flame lilies on the reverse. The ribbon of the medal is a plain, dark blue. The medal was impressed in small capitals with the recipient's name, rank and service number on the rim.
Recipients
5470 Rhodesian District Service Medals were issued. Awards were not gazetted, and no full roll of recipients has ever been published.
References
1. THE HISTORY OF RHODESIAN HONOURS AND AWARDS, The Rhodesian Armed Forces
2. Gerry van Tonder