South Africa: Pro Merito Decoration

[Megan]

Pro Merito-dekoraskie

Instituted: 1975.

Discontinued: 2003.

Awarded: To other ranks for outstanding service and devotion to duty.

Post-nominal letters: PMD

Obverse:

[Megan]

Reverse:

[Arthur R]

Very nice, Megan. Thanks for posting.

Although the PMD was, in theory, open to all 'other ranks' from private up to warrant officer 1st class, in practice it was seldom, if ever, conferred on anyone below the rank of warrant officer. It was also seldom, if ever, conferred on anyone who didn't already hold the Pro Merito Medal (PMM) and the Military Merit Medal (MMM).

[Mervyn Mitton]

A good example Megan - and one that doesn't come on the market very frequently. One point of interest to collectors' - the number on the reverse is not the recipient's - as perhaps in the UK. Rather each medal issue has it's own numbering - which can make research quite difficult.

[NPGilbert]

........ One point of interest to collectors' - the number on the reverse is not the recipient's - as perhaps in the UK. Rather each medal issue has it's own numbering - which can make research quite difficult.

Have to agree with you on that one Mervyn. Pairing a medal with the recipient is very often a nightmare of the worst kind , especially where the two have been seperated for some time. I frequently run into these challeging puzzles.

Regards

Norman

[Hauptmann]

What is the design in the center... almost looks like some kind of fruit. Very interesting designs on SA Orders and medals.

Dan

[Megan]

I believe it's a stylised proteus flower.

[Hauptmann]

Thanks Megan! I really think it's cool how they've used animals and plants native to SA as part of the design of their awards and insignia. Would definitely like to learn more. Am seriously considering a start in SA militaria for this reason.

Dan

[Arthur R]

I believe it's a stylised proteus flower.

Actually, it's a disa flower, the flower symbol of the Cape of Good Hope.

[Hauptmann]

Ahh, South African orchid:

Beautiful flowers!

Dan

[Mervyn Mitton]

Megan - there is a styalised Protea flower as part of the suspender.