The Foxhole Medals StoryUpdated 14 days ago

Hi, I’m Jim, the proud owner and operator of Foxhole Medals. 

My journey began as a skinny 16-year-old Army Reserve recruit in Hobart, a third-generation Defence member following in my family’s footsteps. Not long after, I transitioned to the Navy, where I served as a Petty Officer Aircraft Technician Instructor. It was during this time that my passion for precision and craftsmanship found its home in the art of medal mounting.

In 1999, when I received my first medals - the AASM with East Timor clasp and INTERFET- I became a loyal customer of Glendinnings, a name some of you may remember fondly. But in 2004, while posted to Nowra, New South Wales, and without a trusted local option, I decided to try mounting my own medals. 

What started as a simple hobby quickly turned into something much more.

Meticulous attention to detail (*cough*anxiety) has always been in my nature, and I fell in love with the entire process. 

The slicing of quality colourfast ribbon at just the right length with razor-sharp scissor blades; a perfectly trimmed board providing the foundation for flawless tape application; the almost meditative repetition of perfect stitching.  

A thousand tiny steps all needing to be done faultlessly and with quality materials to create an end result of perfection.  Just like fixing one of my beloved Seahawks, but in miniature form. 

It wasn’t long before my colleagues noticed the quality of my work. Word spread, orders came in, and what began as a one-man operation soon evolved into a business that has served Defence members, families, and collectors across Australia for over two decades now.

Foxhole Medals has grown and adapted over the years. From humble beginnings in my parents’ garage to multiple shopfronts and a custom-built warehouse near Hobart Airport, the heart of my work remains the same: crafting medal sets and ribbon bars with unparalleled quality and care.

In November 2024, I made the heart-wrenching decision to transition Foxhole Medals back to a one-man operation. It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to my incredible team, but this change has allowed me to focus even more on the craftsmanship, customer service, and attention to detail that built my reputation in the first place.

At Foxhole Medals, I don’t aim to be the cheapest - I aim to be the best. My passion is creating awards that stand the test of time, honouring the achievements, sacrifices and unity they represent. 

Whether you're looking to update your set, for a full family set, or support for a larger project, I’d be honoured to help.

Thank you for considering Foxhole Medals, and I look forward to creating something special for you.

Jim Grice
Foxhole Medals