The Medal could be awarded to all ranks of the South African Defence Force, or serving with or rendering service to the Defence Force, for courageous or heroic deeds of self-sacrifice in saving lives in the presence of personal danger, or deeds performed in the execution of or beyond the call of military duty and for which other purely military awards were not normally made.
The Medal could be presented to all ranks of the South African Defence Force, or serving with or rendering service to the Defence Force, for courageous or heroic acts of self-sacrifice in saving lives while facing personal risk, or deeds performed in fulfilling or surpassing military responsibilities and for which other purely military honors were not usually awarded.