Activities recognised included fund raising for British war relief,[1] scientific research that aided the war effort[2] and organising ambulance services.

The obverse bears the left facing crowned effigy of King George VI with the inscription 'GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP'.

The reverse shows a medieval warrior in armour carrying a broken lance, being offered sustenance by a woman.

The upper circumference is inscribed 'FOR SERVICE IN THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM', with 'THE KINGS MEDAL' below.

[5] Those who helped British military personnel to escape the enemy, return from occupied areas or for other dangerous work for the British or Allied cause during the war were eligible for the King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom.