Awarded for three years service in England, between September of 1939 and September of 1945, or one year of service overseas in a non-operational sector, with the colors to the ribbon representing the Blitz. A 37mm diameter, nickel-silver medal, which has riveted to its top the decorative base to a double horizontal bar, for the included ribbon. To the front of the medal is an uncrowned, left facing, profile portrait of George VI, surrounded by the embossed inscription "Georgius VI D: G: Br: Omn: Rex F: D: Ind: Imp:" "HP," no doubt the designer’s initials, may be seen to the base of the bust. To the reverse is a Lion and Lioness to either side of a young oak tree surmounted by a King’s crown, with "1939" to one side, "1945" to the other, and "The Defence Medal" beneath. The medal is suspended from a ribbed ribbon, with a wide, vertical orange stripe to its center, flanked on either side by light green with narrow black stripes. Included is an original, two piece cardboard box with friction top lid that is stamped "Defence Medal".