National Defense Service Medal

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National Defense Service Medal

The National Defense Service Medal: is awarded to recognize honorable active military service during periods of conflict or national crisis. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States, to include the US Coast Guard, who are on Active Duty, members of the Selected Reserve in good standing, members of other than the Selected Reserve called to Active Duty, cadets in the USAF Academy, and USAF members who have completed USAF Basic Training are eligible for the medal.

Ineligible members include ROTC cadets and members called to active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination, for training only, or to serve on boards, courts, or commissions.

Designated U.S. Military Operations:

Korean Conflict June 27, 1950 - July 27, 1954
Vietnam Conflict January 1, 1961 - August 14, 1974
Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM August 2, 1990 - November 30, 1995
Global War on Terrorism September 11, 2001 - Date to be Determined

Category of Award: U.S. Campaign and Service Medal - Personal Service Medal

Established by: Executive Order (EO) 10448, 22 April 1953, as amended by EO 11265, 11 January 1966; EO 12776, 18 October 1991, as amended by EO 13293, 28 March 2003 and Secretary of Defense Memorandum, dated 26 April 2002; and EO 13293, dated 28 March 2003

Device(s): Bronze Service Star

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 169 and 170
AR 600-8-22, Army Regulation, Military Awards, Page 24
SECNAVINST 1650.1H, Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual, Page 4-16 and 4-17
COMDTINST M1650.25E, Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual, Pages 5-5 and 5-6
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Page 150
DoD Manual 1348-33, Vol 1, Nov 23, 2010, Change 5, 15 May 2015, Manual of Military Decorations & Awards, General Information, Medal of Honor, Page 66
DoD Manual 1348.33, Volume 2, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards: DoD Service Awards 2 Campaign, Expeditionary, and Service Medals, Pages 59 to 61