This commemorative medal was created by the government of Malta and awarded by, or in the name of, the President of Malta. It was established on 17 January 1992, and is awarded to specified Maltese and Commonwealth veterans who met the award criteria and had made application for award of the medal by 15 April 1994. The medal honours the collective award of the George Cross to the island of Malta during World War II.The medal was awarded for service during the qualifying period of 10 June 1940 to 8 September 1943, during and after the Siege of Malta. Three distinct groups were eligible for the medal, uniformed members of the allied armed forces and merchant marine, civilians on Malta who served in specific capacities during the qualifying period, and members of the Scout Association of Malta for service during the qualifying periodOfficial approval was sanctioned for the medal to be accepted and worn by British 'Malata' veterans - the most prominent of veterans to be able to wear the medal was the late H.R.H. Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. who wore the medal at all times in his most impressive full-size rack of medalsThe medal mounted in the swing style, and suspended from its original white metal mounting bar which latter retains its hinged pin and clasp fitting, as issuedCondition: EF