An original Pro Patria Medal (Pro Patria Medaljie) awarded by the Republic of South Africa during the Border War era. This example is the 2nd Type with a swinging suspender, issued to SADF personnel for operational service in defence of South Africa, including duty in South West Africa (Namibia) and operations during the Angolan conflict (1966–1989). The medal is octagonal in form, gilt finish, bearing the blue-enamelled SADF emblem of the rising sun on the obverse, and the South African coat of arms on the reverse, engraved with issue number 71962. It is suspended from the distinctive orange and dark blue striped ribbon with white edge stripes, representing South African national and military colours.