Specimen of the Operational Service medal for Sierra Leone, 2000

Silver medal with ribbon comprising a central broad red stripe flanked by narrow dark blue and then light blue stripes, with outer green stripes. The ribbon colours represent the three armed services and the jungle landscape of Sierra Leone.

On obverse, the sovereign's head crowned, surrounded by the inscription, 'Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina FID. DEF.'. On reverse, an eight pointed star with coronets on each of the diagonal points, at the centre the Union Flag within a circlet inscribed, 'For Operational Service'.

The Operational Service Medal (OSM) Sierra Leone was awarded to military personnel who completed operational service in Sierra Leone or the Joint Operational Area between 5 May 2000 to 31 July 2002. No clasps were issued but rosettes were issued for service in Operation BARRAS and Operation MAIDENLY.