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American Defense Service Medal

 The American Defense Service Medal (ADSM) is awarded for service between 8 September 1939 and 7 December 1941 under orders to active duty for a period of 12 months or longer. The ADSM was established by Executive Order 8808, and announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941.

Authorized Devices:
   "Foreign Service" Clasp: Worn on the ADSM to denote service outside of the continental limits of the United States, to include service in Alaska, as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters, flights over ocean waters, or as an assigned member of an organization stationed outside the continental limits of the United States.
   A service star is worn on the service ribbon to denote possession of the "Foreign Service" clasp.

Category of Award: U.S. Campaign and Service Award

Authorized: President Roosevelt, Executive Order 8808, June 28, 1941.

Device(s): Foreign Service Clasp(s), Bronze Service Star, or Letter "A" Device, (if applicable)

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program; Page 162
AR 600-8-22, Army Regulation, Military Awards; Page 70
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards; Pages 142 and 143.
DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 3, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD-Wide Performance and Valor Awards; Page 65

Page updated May 1, 2017

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