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NATO Kosovo Medal

 The NATO Kosovo Medal is a DoD approved NATO medal for acceptance and wear. Service in operations related to Kosovo - Operations ALLIED FORCE (U.S. Operation NOBLE ANVIL), JOINT GUARDIAN, ALLIED HARBOR, SUSTAIN HOPE, and SHINING HOPE are approved by the DoD.

 Authorized by the Secretary General of NATO for specific NATO operations. In accordance with Executive Order 11446 (reference (jj)), the Secretary of Defense, with concurrence of the Secretary of State, may approve acceptance and wear by U.S. Service members who meet criteria specified by the Secretary General of NATO.

 Acceptance of the NATO Medal has been approved for U.S. military personnel who serve under NATO command or operational control in direct support of NATO operations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia, or as designated by SACEUR, from 1 July 1992 through a future date to be determined.

 The NATO Medal shall have the same precedence as the United Nations Medal, but shall rank immediately below the United Nations Medal when the wearer has been awarded both decorations.

 The NATO medal presentation set received from a NATO representative may include a ribbon clasp denoting the specific operation for which the award was made. U.S. Service members are authorized to retain the ribbon clasp if presented; however, the wearing of ribbon clasps with the NATO medal or service ribbon is not authorized for U.S. Service members. U.S. Service members may wear only the basic medal or service ribbon.

 To recognize subsequent awards (if approved by the Secretary of Defense) for service in a different NATO operation, U.S. Service members will affix a bronze service star to the NATO Medal suspension ribbon and service ribbon.

 The NATO Medal will normally be presented by the Allied Command Europe headquarters exercising operational command or control over U.S. military units or individuals prior to their departure from service with NATO.

 A list of the UN missions and actions that the Department of Defense has authorized the United Nations Medals for acceptance and wear by eligible U.S. Military participants can be found in the following DoD Document in PDF format: DoD Approved NATO Medals for Acceptance and Wear.

Category of Award: Foreign Service Award.
 Note: Recipients may purchase medals and ribbons from commercial sources.

Beginning Date: Varies by operation

Ending Date: Varies by operation

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Page 199, Table 7.2.
AR 600-8-22, Army Regulation, Military Awards, Page 126

Page updated June 9, 2017

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