[1][2] The Union of South Africa King's Medal for Bravery, Silver, the lesser of two classes of South Africa's highest civilian decoration for bravery, was instituted by Royal Warrant of 23 June 1939, published in Government Gazette no.

[1] Although it was primarily a civilian award, it was also granted to military personnel for non-combatant acts of gallantry during the Second World War.

It is preceded by the Louw Wepener Decoration and succeeded by the South African Police Cross for Bravery.

[5] Upon the accession to the British Throne of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952, the Union of South Africa King's Medal for Bravery, Silver was discontinued and replaced by the Union of South Africa Queen's Medal for Bravery, Silver.

[1] The Union of South Africa King's Medal for Bravery, Silver was awarded to altogether thirty-four individuals, of whom eighteen were military personnel.