The medal honours the collective award of the George Cross to the island of Malta during World War II.

Three distinct groups were eligible for the medal, uniformed members of the allied armed forces and merchant marine, civilians on Malta who served in specific capacities during the qualifying period, and members of the Scout Association of Malta for service during the qualifying period.

[2] Members of the Scout Association of Malta were also eligible for award of the medal for service during the qualifying period.

The medal is held by a straight suspension bar depicting a relief of olive branches and palm fronds meeting in the centre.

[2] The medal is suspended from a blue moire ribbon 32 millimetres (1.3 in) wide with two narrow central vertical stripes of white and red, each 3mm in width.