Coat of Arms of South Africa in the centre and with a hole at each corner to enable it to be sewn to the ribbon. When ribbons only are worn, recipients of the clasp would wear a silver button on the ribbon bar, embellished with the South African Coat of Arms. Discontinuation Conferment of the Union Medal was discontinued on 31 May 1961, when South Africa became a republic and the medal was replaced by the Permanent Force Good Service Medal. References Military decorations and medals of South Africa Long service medals 1952 establishments in South Africa Awards disestablished in 1961 Awards established in 1952