The Australia Service Medal 1939–1945 recognises service in Australia's armed forces, Mercantile Marine and Volunteer Defence Corps during World War II.

Gazetted in November 1949,[2] initially, the qualifying period was at least 18 months full-time service at home or overseas, or at least three years part-time service, between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

There was no minimum qualifying period for those killed, wounded or disabled due to service.

[1] Australian Forces also qualified for the campaign stars and medals authorised for British and Commonwealth Forces,[3] with the Australia Service Medal worn immediately after the War Medal 1939–1945.

[4] Medals were awarded with the recipient's name impressed on the rim.