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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Air Force Expeditionary




On June 18, 2003, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon as recognition for deployed status. The AFESR is awarded to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard personnel who complete a contingency deployment after Oct. 1, 1999.

Criteria
This is an Air Force achievement award and consists of a ribbon-only (there is no medal).

-- The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon is awarded to military members of the Air Force who are credited with completion of a contingency deployment.

-- Deployment is defined as either deployment on contingency, exercise, deployment orders or members sourced in direct support (in-theater or out) of expeditionary operations with an overnight away-from-home station, destination or location of the temporary duty.

-- There is no time limit to accumulate the 90 non-consecutive days (members keep accumulating contingency temporary duty days until they reach 90 days).

-- The intent of this ribbon is one Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon for each deployment (provided the required deployment days are met). It is not intended to be awarded in multiples corresponding to each 45 consecutive days deployed.

-- Permanent party personnel assigned to air expeditionary units also are eligible to receive the AFESR after Oct. 1, 1999. Permanent party members assigned to Air Expeditionary Task Force units may qualify to receive both the AFESR and the Overseas Short/Long Tour Ribbon by meeting the 45 consecutive day requirement without adjustment to tour status. Permanent party members assigned to AETF units also qualify for the combat Gold Border.

-- Members on an overseas short tour may receive both the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon and the Overseas Short Tour ribbon, provided they meet the requirements of both

-- To qualify for this ribbon, individuals must have deployed for 45 consecutive days or 90 nonconsecutive days on a deployed status.

-- Any contingency deployment qualifies, overseas or stateside, regardless of the duty,.

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
In April 2004, the secretary of the Air Force approved authorizing a gold border to be worn on the air force expeditionary service ribbon to represent participation in combat operations. Award of the gold border is authorized for wear on the AFESR by individuals who were engaged in conducting or supporting combat operations in a designated combat zone.

A combat zone is defined as a geographic area designated by the president via executive order, or a qualified hazardous duty area in which a member is receiving imminent danger/hostile fire pay. Combat action is defined as when a member is subject to hostile fire, explosion or is engaged in employing lethal weapons (kinetic/non-kinetic).

For award of the AFESR w/GB, members must be/have been assigned to an Air Expeditionary Force plan identification or on contingency, exercise, deployment orders and have been receiving imminent danger or hostile fire pay. Aircrew members who engage in combat action must be assigned on aeronautical orders in direct support of a combat zone.

Prior to the award of the gold border, members must have met the eligibility requirement for award of the basic AFESR. The AFESR w/GB may be awarded to current and former Air Force Active Duty, Reserve and Guard personnel who since Oct. 1, 1999 meet the requirements of paragraphs 2 and 3.

The time eligibility criteria for award of the basic AFESR w/GB can be waived if the member meets one of the following criteria:

-- Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy actions.

-- While participating in a designated operation, be killed, wounded or injured requiring medical evacuation from the combat zone.

-- Be a regularly assigned crew member flying combat/combat support sorties into, out of, within or over a combat zone.

-- Employ a kinetic or non-kinetic weapon from outside the designated combat zone, in a combat operation.

Order of precedence
The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon is worn between the Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon (Long Tour) and the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon.

Heraldry
This ribbon is arranged in eleven stripes in a symmetrical pattern. The center stripe is light blue and stands for Air Force capability. From this center stripe outward on each side, the narrow white stripe stands for integrity; ultramarine blue represents worldwide deployment; Air Force yellow stands for excellence and the last two stripes (scarlet and blue) stand for the United States.

Authorized device: Oak leaf cluster

Air Force Expeditionary products

Air Force Expeditionary Bumper Sticker

Marine Corps Expeditionary




a. Authorization. M.C.G.O. No. 33 of 8 May 1919.

b. Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to U.S. Marine Corps personnel per the requirements listed above for the Navy Expeditionary Medal. CMC maintains listings of eligible units.

c. Limitations. The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal (MCEM) may only be awarded when Navy and Marine Corps units were the sole participants in the designated operation. In cases where an operation involved the participation of units from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the AFEM shall be considered the more appropriate award. See paragraph 10 below for further details regarding the AFEM.

d. Branch of Service. In cases where Navy personnel are assigned to units of the Marine Corps operating forces that have been awarded the MCEM, Navy personnel will wear the NEM in lieu of the MCEM. Conversely, Marines assigned to units of the Navy operating forces that have been awarded the NEM will wear the MCEM in lieu of the NEM.

Marine Corps Expeditionary Products

Marine Corps Expeditionary Bumper Sticker

Marine Corps Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 1 Bronze Star

Marine Corps Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 2 Bronze Star

Marine Corps Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 3 Bronze Star

Marine Corps Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 4 Bronze Star



Navy Expeditionary




a. Authorization. Navy Department General Order (N.D.G.O.) No. 84 of 5 August 1936.

b. Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to U.S. Navy service members who have actually landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition, or operated under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition, and for which no service or campaign medal was awarded. Only personnel attached to one of the approved ships or units during the eligibility period, and who actually participated in the given operation, are eligible for the Navy Expeditionary Medal (NEM).. This includes personnel attached to a squadron or unit embarked in a ship during the eligible period for that ship. Members of rear echelons, transients, observers, and personnel assigned for short periods of Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) or Training Duty (TD) are not normally eligible for the award. However, an individual will be given consideration in those instances when the local commander certifies a particular and significant contribution. Such certification should be submitted to the CNO/CMC, via the fleet commander who exercised operational control in the area involved. CNO maintains a list of eligible ships/units.

c. Authorized Operations. The following are the most recently authorized expeditions:

CUBA 03 Jan 61 -23 Oct 62
THAILAND 16 May 62 -10 Aug 62
INDIAN OCEAN/IRAN/YEMEN 08 Dec 78-06 Jun 79
IRAN/INDIAN OCEAN 21 NOV 79 -20 act 81
LEBANON 20 Aug 82-31 May 83
LIBYA 20 Jan 86 -27 Jun 86
PERSIAN GULF 01 Feb 87-23 Jul 87
LIBERIA (SHARP EDGE) 05 Aug 90 -21 Feb 91
RWANDA (DISTANT RUNNER) 07 Apr 94-18 Apr 94
ERITERA (SAFE DEPARTURE) 06 Jun 98-25 Jun 98
USS COLE (DETERMINED RESPONSE) 12 Oct 00-15 Dec 02

d. Awarding Authority. Commanding officers shall ensure appropriate service record entries are made for eligible enlisted personnel, and issue letters of eligibility for eligible officer personnel. No citation or certificate will be issued.

e. Limitations. The NEM may only be awarded cases in which Navy units were the sole participants in the designated operation. In cases where an operation involved participation of units from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) shall be considered the more appropriate award. See paragraph 10 below for further details regarding the AFEM.

Navy Expeditionary products

Navy Expeditionary Bumper Sticker

Navy Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 1 Bronze Star

Navy Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 2 Bronze Star

Navy Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 3 Bronze Star

Navy Expeditionary Bumper Sticker with 1 Silver W

China Service




Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, July 1, 1942.

Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, for the period after WWII, January 22, 1945.

Awarded to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Service member who served on shore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937 and September 7, 1939.

The period of eligibility was subsequently extended on March 6, 1947. During the second period, the medal was awarded to Service members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard during operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946, shall not be credited toward individual eligibility for the China Service Medal, unless the Service member is already eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for military service
performed before September 2, 1945.

Not more than one award of the China Service Medal (extended) shall be given to any Service member. Service members, who previously earned the China Service Medal for the period 1937 through 1939 shall be issued a bronze star instead of a second award for qualifying military service during the extended period of 1945 through 1957.

China Service products

China Service Bumper Sticker

American Defense




Authorized by Executive Order 8808 (reference (dddd)). Promulgated by War Department Bulletin 17 and Navy Department General Orders No. 172.

Awarded to all U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Service members who served on active duty at any time between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941. Service members in the U.S. Army were required to have had served for a period of at least 12 months.

Recipients of the American Defense Service Medal, depending on the circumstances, were authorized to wear certain devices with the award.

Service Clasps

Foreign Service. Awarded to U.S. Army Service members for service outside the continental United States (CONUS), as crew members of a vessel sailing ocean waters, flights over ocean waters, or as an assigned member of an organization stationed outside the CONUS.

Fleet Clasp. Awarded to U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard Service members for military service on the high seas while regularly attached to any vessel or aircraft squadron in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Asiatic Fleets, to include vessels operating directly under the Chief of Naval Operations.

Base Clasp. Awarded to U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard Service members for military service on shore at bases and naval stations outside the United States, including military service in Alaska and Hawaii.

Service Star. Possession of a service clasp is denoted by wearing of a bronze star on the service ribbon of the American Defense Service Medal. The star may not be worn if the letter "A" device is authorized.

Letter "A" Device. A bronze letter "A" is authorized for those Service members who served on board vessels operating in actual or potential belligerent contact with Axis Forces in the Atlantic Ocean between June 22 and December 7, 1941.

American Defense Products

American Defense Bumper Sticker

American Defense Bumper Sticker with 1 Bronze Star

American Defense Bumper Sticker with 2 Bronze Star

American Defense Bumper Sticker with 3 Bronze Star

American Campaign




American Campaign

Authorized by Executive Order 9265, as amended (reference (gggg)).

Awarded to Service members serving outside the CONUS in the American Theater for at least 30 days between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946, or who served during that period for an aggregate period of 1 year in the CONUS.

Service stars were authorized for both U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Service members to indicate participation in certain engagements with the enemy.

Boundaries of the American Theater are as follows:

Eastern Boundary. From the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the 77th parallel north latitude, thence southeast through the Davis Strait to the intersection of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, thence south along the meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, thence southeast to the intersection of the equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, thence south along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole.

Western Boundary. From the North Pole, south along the 141st meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, thence south and southeast along the Alaska boundary to the Pacific Ocean, thence south along the 130th meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, thence southeast to the intersection of the equator and the 100th meridian west longitude, thence south to the South Pole.

American Campaign Products

American Campaign Bumper Sticker

American Campaign Bumper Sticker with 1 Bronze Star

American Campaign Bumper Sticker with 2 Bronze Star

American Campaign Bumper Sticker with 3 Bronze Star

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Asiatic Pacific Campaign





Authorized by Executive Order 9265, as amended (reference (gggg)).

Specific eligibility requirements are outlined in appropriate Service regulations. Awarded to Service members under one of the following conditions:

Assigned outside the CONUS in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater for at least 30 days between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946

Was an evader or escapee in the combat zone or recovered from a POW status in the combat zone during the time limitations of the campaign. The POWs shall not be accorded credit for the time spent in confinement or while otherwise in restraint under enemy control.

Service stars were authorized for both U.S. Army and U.S. Navy Service members to indicate participation in certain engagements with the enemy. Additionally, certain Service members may be eligible for the "Arrowhead" device. Such a device denotes participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing.

Boundaries of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater are as follows:

Eastern Boundary. Coincident with the western boundary of the American Theater.

Western Boundary. From the North Pole south along the 60th meridian east longitude to its intersection with the east boundary of Iran, thence south along the Iranian boundary to the Gulf of Oman and the intersection of the 60th meridian east longitude, thence south along the 60th meridian east longitude to the South Pole.

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 1 Bronze Star

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 2 Bronze Star

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 3 Bronze Star

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 4 Bronze Star


Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 1 Silver Star

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 1 Ega Device

Asiatic Pacific Campaign Bumper Sticker 1 Bronze Arrowhead

Friday, August 13, 2010

European Africian Middle Eastern Campaign





Authorized by Executive Order 9265, as amended (reference (gggg)).

Specific eligibility requirements are outlined in appropriate Service regulations; however, those conditions are similar to those for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

Service stars and the "Arrowhead" device (Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal) were authorized for Service members. Specifics are maintained by the Services.

Boundaries of the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater are:

Eastern Boundary. Coincident with the western boundary of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Western Boundary. Coincident with the eastern boundary of the American Theater.

European African Middle Eastern Campaign Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Eastern Campaign 1 Star Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Eastern Campaign 2 Star Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Eastern Campaign 3 Star Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Eastern Campaign 4 Star Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Eastern Campaign Silver Star Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Eastern Campaign EGA Device Bumper Sticker

European African Middle Easter Campaign Arrowhead Bumper Sticker

Thursday, August 12, 2010

World War II Victory Military Ribbon




World War II Victory

Authorized by Pub. L. No. 79-135 (1945), 59 Stat. 461, (reference (iiii)). Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States or the government of the Philippine Islands who served on active duty at any time between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946.

World War II Victory Military Ribbon Designs

Army of Occupation Military Ribbon




1. Description: Army - The Bronze medal is 1 ¼ inches in width. On the obverse, the Remagen Bridge abutments below the words "ARMY OF OCCUPATION". On the reverse, Fujiyama with a low hanging cloud over two Japanese junks above a wave scroll and the date "1945". A Bronze clasp 1/8 inch wide and 1 ½ inches in length with the word "GERMANY" or "JAPAN" is worn on the suspension ribbon to indicate service in Europe or the Far East. NAVY: On the obverse is Neptune mounted on a composite creature of a charging horse and a sea serpent with a trident grasped in right hand above wave scrolls. Around the bottom of the medal are the words "OCCUPATION SERVICE". The reverse is the same as the China Service Medal and is an eagle perched on the shank of a horizontal anchor with a branch of laurel entwined around the anchor. On the left is the word "FOR" and to the right is the word "SERVICE" and around the top is the inscription "UNITED STATES NAVY". MARINE CORPS: The medal for the Marine Corps is the same as the Navy, except the inscription around the top of the reverse is "UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS".

2. Ribbon: The ribbon is the same for both medals and is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/16 inch White 67101; ½ inch Black 67138; ½ inch Scarlet 67111; and 3/16 inch White.

3. Criteria: a. The medal was awarded for 30 days consecutive service while assigned to:

(1) Germany (excluding Berlin) between 9 May 1945 and 5 May 1955. Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 will count only if the EAME Campaign Medal was awarded for service prior to 9 May 1945.

(2) Austria between 9 May 1945 and 27 July 1955. Service between 9 May and 18 November 1945 will count only if the EAME Campaign Medal was awarded for service prior to 9 May 1945.

(3) Berlin between 9 May 1945 and 2 October 1990. Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 may be counted only if the EAME Campaign Medal was awarded for service prior to 9 May 1945.

(4) Italy between 9 May 1945 and 15 September 1947 in the compartment of Venezia Giulia E. Zara or Province of Udine, or with a unit in Italy designated in DA General Order 4, 1947. Service between 9 May and 8 November 1945 may be counted only if the EAME Campaign Medal was awarded for service prior to 9 May 1945.

(5) Japan between 3 September 1945 and 27 April 1952 in the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu; the surrounding smaller islands of the Japanese homeland; the Ryukyu Islands; and the Bonin-Volcano Islands. Service between 3 September 1945 and 2 March 1946 will be counted only if the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for service prior to 3 September 1945.

(6) Korea between 3 September 1945 and 29 June 1949. Service between 3 September 1945 and 2 March 1946 will be counted only if the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for service prior to 3 September 1945.

4. Components: The following are authorized components:

a. Army Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/246. Medal set with full size medal and ribbon bar. NSN 8455-00-269-5763.

b. Army Medal (miniature): MIL-DTL-3943/246. Available commercially.

c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/112. NSN 8455-00-265-4910. Available commercially.

d. Foreign Service Clasp: MIL-DTL-41819/9: Germany - NSN 8455-00-249-0171; Japan - NSN 8455-00-249-0172.

e. Berlin Airlift Device: MIL-DTL-41819/13. Regular and miniature sizes. NSN 8455-00-261-4504.

5. Background: a. The Army Occupation Medal was established by War Department Circular 102, dated 5 April 1946.

b. The medal was designed by Mr. Thomas Hudson Jones and the first medal was presented to General Eisenhower on 2 April 1947. The ribbon design uses the color black to represent Germany and the color red to represent Japan.

c. On 4 February 1948, the Secretary of the Navy requested the Heraldic Section, Department of the Army, design a suitable Navy Occupation Service Medal. This medal was designed by Mr. Thomas Hudson Jones on 30 March 1948.

d. The service clasp is worn on the suspension ribbon to indicate area of occupation. The Berlin Airlift Device is a miniature of a C-54 type aircraft and is worn on the suspension ribbon and service ribbon to indicate 90 days consecutive service between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949.

Army of Occupation Military Ribbon Designs

Navy Occupation Service




a. Authorization. Navy Department General Order No. 10 of 28 January 1948.

b. Eligibility Requirements. Awarded to personnel in the Naval Service who participated in the occupation of the territories of the enemies of the United States during World War I1 and subsequent to the surrender of these enemies.

(1) To establish eligibility, the individual shall have been attached to, present, and serving on permanent duty with an organization in the Naval Service of the United States during those periods when such organization has been credited by SECNAV, or a delegated fleet command, with having performed duty in the occupation of enemy or former enemy national territory.

(2) Passenger, observer, visitor, courier, escort, inspector or other similar status, when not permanently attached to an eligible unit, is not creditable toward this award.

(3) Occupation duty in the European-African-Middle Eastern area may be credited to organizations for duty performed on and subsequent to 8 May 1945. Terminal dates for eligibility periods and occupation territories in this area are as follows:

Italy 15 Dec 47
Trieste 25 Oct 54
Germany (except Berlin) 05 May 55
Austria 25 Oct 55
Berlin 02 Oct 90

(4) Occupation duty in the Asiatic-Pacific area may be credited to organizations for duty performed between 2 September 1945 and 27 April 1952. Occupation territory in the Asiatic-Pacific area includes Japan and such territories recognized as sovereign to Japan, and such parts of Korea and such adjacent islands as are recognized to be Korean, but exclusive of all the mandated territory formerly administered by Japan, as are under the governmental control of the United States or of an ally of the United States during World War 11. Eligibility also includes ships operating in such home or territorial waters or contiguous ocean areas in direct support of occupation or aircraft based upon and operating from such territories or ships.

(5) Units performing service in the Korean area during the period 27 June 1950 to 27 April 1952, inclusive, and eligible for the Korean Service Medal, will not be credited with eligibility for the Navy Occupation Service Medal (NOSM) for the same period.

c. Subsequent Awards and Clasps. An individual may only be awarded one NOSM. Appropriate clasps marked "Europe" and "Asia" are authorized to be attached to the suspension ribbon of the large medal only to denote service in the respective area. No distinctive device to denote these clasps is authorized for wear on the ribbon bar. If earned, both clasps may be worn.

d. Army of Occupation Service Medal. Individuals who have been tendered the Army of Occupation Service Medal, and are eligible for the NOSM, are not entitled to both, but may elect which one to accept.

e. Eligible Units. Lists of eligible ships and units are maintained by CNO and CMC. If a ship or unit is not on the list prior to 1 January 1958, entitlement to the medal will be denied.

Navy Occupation Service Military Ribbon Designs

National Defense Service




National Defense Service Military Ribbon

a. Authorization. E.O. 10448, E.O. 12776, and E.O. 13293.

b. Eligibility Requirements

(1) Honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces for any of the following periods, all dates inclusive: 27 June 1950 to 28 July 1954; 1 January 1961 to 14 August 1974; 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995; and 12 September 2001 to a date to be determined.

(2) Categories of personnel listed below are ineligible, except as noted:

(a) Guard and Reserve force personnel on short tours of active duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program, including drill periods and two-week training. However, effective 8 October 1991, the President of the United States expanded criteria to include all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing during the periods 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995, and from 12 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Consequently, all members of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing during said periods are eligible.

(b) Any person on temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations.

(c) Any person on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.

(d) Any person on active duty for purposes other than extended active duty.

(3) Subparagraph (2) above shall not bar award of the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) to members of the Guard or Reserve forces, who, after 31 December 1960, become eligible for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Vietnam Service Medal, who serve for 30 days or more on temporary active duty. Such persons shall be considered to be performing active service for the purpose of eligibility for the NDSM.

(4) Midshipmen attending the Naval Academy during the above periods are eligible for this medal.

(5) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen are only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise in an area that qualified for a campaign medal.

National Defense Service Military Ribbon Designs

Friday, January 29, 2010

Korean Service




Korean Service

Authorized by Executive Order 10179, as amended (reference (oooo)).

Awarded to Service members who participated in operations in the Korean area between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954.

Recipients of the Korean Service Medal, depending on the circumstances, are authorized to wear the following devices with the award:

Service Star. A bronze service star for each campaign. Campaigns and inclusive dates are listed in the various Service regulations.

Arrowhead Device. To denote participation in a combat parachute jump, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing (U.S. Army Service members).

Korean Service products

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Armed Forces Expeditionary




Armed Forces Expeditionary

Eligibility Requirements

Personnel Eligible. The AFEM, authorized by E.O. 10977 (reference (u)), may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who after July 1, 1958:

Participate, or have participated, as members of U.S. military units in a U.S. military operation in which Service members of any Military Department participate, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in significant numbers.

Encounter during such participation foreign armed opposition, or are otherwise placed, or have been placed, in such position that, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though it did not materialize.

Categories of Operations. The AFEM may be authorized for the following three categories of operations:

U.S. military operations.

U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations (U.N.).

U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.

The "area of operations" is defined as follows:

The foreign territory on which troops have actually landed or are present and specifically deployed for the direct support of the designated military operation.

Adjacent water areas in which ships are operating, patrolling, or providing direct support of operations.

The air space above and adjacent to the area in which operations are being conducted.

"Direct support" is defined as services being supplied to the combat forces in the area of operations by ground units, ships, and aircraft provided it involves actually entering the designated area. That includes ships and aircraft providing fire, patrol, guard, reconnaissance, or other military support.

Degree of Participation. Service members must be bona fide members of a unit engaged in the operation or meet one or more of the following criteria:

Be engaged in direct support for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations (or for the full period when an operation is less than 30 days duration) or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations.

Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area.

Participate as a regularly assigned crew member of an aircraft flying into, out of, within, or over the area in support of the military operations.

Limitations on Awarding Medals. The medal shall be awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign medal is approved. However, this does not prevent award eligibility for subsequent on-going operations if the associated campaign medal has been terminated. No individual shall be eligible for both the AFEM and a campaign medal awarded during a single tour in the designated operation. For operations in which personnel of only one Military Department participate, the medal shall be awarded only if there is no other suitable award available to that Department. The military service of the Service member on which qualification for the award of the AFEM is based shall have been honorable.

Election of the AFEM or Vietnam Service Medal. Service members who earned the AFEM for service in Vietnam between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965, may elect to receive the Vietnam Service Medal instead of the AFEM. However, no Service member may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam.

Wear of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) and Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM). Service members who earned the SWASM and subsequently become eligible at any time for the Operation SOUTHERN WATCH AFEM may wear both awards, with the exception of those who become eligible for both awards during one tour in Southwest Asia (SWA). Service members who become eligible for both awards during their initial tour in SWA may elect to receive either the SWASM or the AFEM, but may not be issued both medals for a single tour in SWA. Service members who become eligible for both awards during their initial tour in SWA and elect to receive the SWASM may be awarded the AFEM for participation in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH during a subsequent tour in SWA under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum (reference (v)).

Approval of Operations. Subsequent to July 1, 1958, the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall designate U.S. military operations that qualify for the AFEM, and they shall specify the degree of participation in designated operations warranting award of the medal. Appendix 5 identifies those operations that have been approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff for award of the AFEM.

Subsequent Awards. No more than one medal shall be awarded to any one Service member. For each succeeding operation justifying such awards, a service star shall be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal.

Manner of Wearing. The AFEM shall take precedence immediately after the Antarctica Service Medal.

Posthumous Awards. The AFEM may be awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased, as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary concerned.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Bumper Sticker

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Vietnam Service




Vietnam Service

Authorized by E.O.11231 (reference (w)).

Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving at any time between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam, its contiguous waters, or airspace, thereover.

Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving at any time between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspaces, thereover, and in direct support of operations in Vietnam.
Service members qualified for the AFEM by reasons of service between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965, in an area for which the Vietnam Service Medal was authorized subsequently shall remain qualified for that medal. Upon application, any such Service member may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal instead of the AFEM for such service. However, no Service member shall be entitled to both awards

For that award, Vietnam and the contiguous waters are defined as "from a point on the east coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with China southeastward to 21 degrees N. latitude, 108 degrees, 15 minutes E. longitude; thence, southward to 18 degrees N. latitude, 108 degrees, 15 minutes E. longitude; thence southeastward to 17 degrees, 30 minutes N. latitude, 111 degrees E. longitude; thence, southward to 11 degrees N. latitude, 111 degrees E. longitude; thence, southwestward to 7 degrees N. latitude, 105 degrees E. longitude; thence, westward to 7 degrees N. latitude, 103 degrees E. longitude; thence, northward to 9 degrees, 30 minutes N. latitude, 103 degrees E. longitude; thence, northeastward to 10 degrees, 15 minutes N. latitude, 104 degrees, 27 minutes E. longitude; thence, northward to a point on the west coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with Cambodia."

Specific

Personnel Eligible. To be eligible a Service member must be as follows:

Attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations.

Attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations. C6.6.1.2.1.3. Actually participate as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations.

Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations.

Limitation on Medal. The medal shall be awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign medal is approved. No Service member may be issued both the Vietnam Service Medal and the AFEM for service in Vietnam, and furthermore they shall be entitled to no more than one award of the Vietnam Service Medal.

Stars. A bronze service star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Vietnam Service Medal for the Service member's participation during the approved campaign periods. Appendix 6 identifies those campaigns that have been approved.

Posthumous Awards. The Vietnam Service Medal may be awarded posthumously.

Vietnam Service products

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Kuwait Libetation (Saudi Arabia)





Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)

Authorized by the Government of Saudi Arabia to members of the Coalition Forces who participated in Operation DESERT STORM and the liberation of Kuwait. The Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, reference (nn), authorized the acceptance and wearing of the Kuwait Liberation Medal by members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

To be eligible, U.S. military personnel must have:

Served in support of operation DESERT STORM between January 17 and February 28, 1991, in one or more of the following areas:

The Persian Gulf;

The Red Sea;

The Gulf of Oman;

That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude; C7.5.1.9.2.1.5. The Gulf of Aden; or

The total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Omar, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Have been, as follows:

Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore operations;

Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations;

Actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or

Serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days during this period. That time limitation may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

The Kuwait Liberation Medal may be awarded posthumously.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, of each Service, and the Director, Joint Staff, are authorized to grant exceptions to policy for award of that medal. Since the eligibility period and geographic boundaries were specified by the Government of Saudi Arabia, those criteria may not be waived.


The Kuwait Liberation Medal shall follow the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal in precedence, as in C7.5.1.6., above.

The Military Departments shall prescribe appropriate regulations for the administrative processing, awarding, and wearing of the Kuwait Liberation Medal, ribbon, and appurtenances.

Kuwait Liberation Saudi Bumper Sticker

Monday, January 25, 2010

Kuwait Liberation (Emirate of Kuwait)

Kuwait Liberation


Authorized by the Government of Kuwait to members of the United States military who participated in Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. The Secretary of Defense Memorandum (reference (oo)) authorized the acceptance and wearing of the Kuwait Liberation Medal (K) by members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

To be eligible, U.S. military personnel must have:

Served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM between August 2, 1990 and August 31, 1993, in one or more of the following areas:

The Arabian Gulf;

The Red Sea;

The Gulf of Oman;

That portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude;

The Gulf of Aden; or

The total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Omar, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Have been, as follows:

Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore operations;

Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations;

Actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated above; or

Serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days during this period. That time limitation may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

The Kuwait Liberation Medal may be awarded posthumously.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, of each Service, and the Director, Joint Staff, are authorized to grant exceptions to policy for award of Kuwait Liberation Medal (K). Since the eligibility period and geographic boundaries were specified by the Government of Kuwait, those criteria may not be waived.

The Kuwait Liberation Medal (K) shall follow the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the government of Saudi Arabia in precedence, as in paragraph above.

The Military Departments shall prescribe appropriate regulations for the administrative processing, awarding, and wearing of the medal, ribbon, and appurtenances.

Kuwait Liberation Bumper Sticker

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Southwest Asia Service

Southwest Asia Service



Authorized by E.O. 12754 (reference (x)).

Individuals authorized that award must have served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM in one or more of the following areas from August 2, 1990 through November 30, 1995: the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 100 N. latitude and west 680 E. longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Individuals serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations from January 17, 1991 through November 30, 1995 shall also be eligible for award of the medal. C6.7.1.2. Specific. To be eligible, a Service member must be:

Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore (military) operations.

Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations.

Actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated in paragraph above.

Serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations.

Awarding

The Southwest Asia Service Medal may be awarded posthumously.

Each Military Department may grant exceptions to the eligibility criteria outlined below, and shall prescribe appropriate regulations for administrative processing, awarding and wearing of the Southwest Asia Service Medal, ribbon, and appurtenances.

Stars. One bronze service star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Southwest Asia Service Medal for participation in each campaign period (i.e., an individual who participated in one campaign would wear the medal and/or service ribbon with one star). The first campaign period is designated as the "Defense of Saudi Arabia" with corresponding dates of August 2, 1990 through January 16, 1991. The second campaign is designated "Liberation and Defense of Kuwait" from January 17, 1991 to April 11, 1991. The third and final campaign, is designated the "Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign," and extends from April 12, 1991 through November 30, 1995. Service members eligible for the SWASM based on participation in Operation PROVIDE COMFORT will wear the medal and service ribbon with star.

Southwest Asia Service Bumper Sticker

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Kosovo Campaign


Kosovo Campaign

Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches in width. It is composed of the following vertical stripes: 1/2 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 7/64 inch Scarlet 67111; 5/32 inch White 67101; 7/64 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/2 inch Scarlet 67111.

Description: A Bronze medal, 1 3/8 inches in diameter, with the stylized wreath of grain, reflecting the agricultural domination of the area and its economy, symbolizes the basic human rights while highlighting the desire of all for peace, safety and prosperity. The rocky terrain, fertile valley, and mountain pass refer to the Dinartic Alps and the Campaign Theater of operations. The sunrise denotes the dawning of a new age of unity and hope; the right to forge a future of freedom, progress and harmony, thus fulfilling the goal of the Alliance. On the reverse an outline of the Yugoslavian Province of Kosovo, denoting the area of conflict, is combined with a NATO star and highlighted compass cardinal points, signifying the Alliance participants who stabilized the region and provided massive relief. The inscription "IN DEFENSE OF HUMANITY" reinforces the objective of the action.

Service Members authorized the Kosovo Campaign Medal must have participated in or served in direct support of Kosovo Operation(s): ALLIED FORCE (24 Mar through Jun 1999); JOINT GUARDIAN (11 Jun 1999 through To Be Determined); ALLIED HARBOUR 4 Apr through 1 Sep 1999); SUSTAIN HOPE/SHINING HOPE (4 Apr through 10 Jul 1999); NOBLE ANVIL (24 Apr through 20 Jul 1999); or Kosovo TASK FORCE (S): HAWK (5 Apr through 24 Jun 1999); SABER (31 Mar through 8 Jul 1999); or HUNTER (1 Apr through 1 Nov 1999) within the Kosovo Air Campaign or Kosovo Defense Campaign areas of eligibility (AOE):

a. Kosovo Air Campaign (24 March 1999 through 10 June 1999) AOE: the total land area and air space of Serbia (including Kosovo), Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Slovenia; and the waters and air space of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea north of the 39th North latitude.

b. Kosovo Defense Campaign (11 Jun 1999 through To Be Determined) AOE: The total land area and air space of Serbia (including Kosovo), Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, and the waters and air space of the Adriatic seas within 12 nautical miles of the Montenegro, Albania, and Croatia coastlines South of 42 degrees and 52 minutes North latitude.

Criteria: Service members must be bonafide members of a unit participating in or be engaged in direct support of the Operation for 30 consecutive days in the AOE or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves the entering the Operations AOE or meet one or more of the following criteria:

a. Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally hazardous as combat duty, during the Operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the AOE.

b. While participating in the Operation, regardless of time, is wounded or injured and required medical evacuation from the AOE.

c. While participating as regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the AOE in direct support of the military operations.

Naval Vessels: The Secretary of Defense approved the award to the following Navy vessels as an exception to the 30 consecutive days within the Kosovo Air Campaign AOE criteria: USS Norfolk, USS Miami, USS Bose, USS Albuquerque, USS Nicholson, USS Philippine Sea, and USS Gonzalez.

Service Stars. One Bronze Service Star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Kosovo Campaign Medal for qualified participation during campaign period (an individual who participated in one campaign would wear the Medal and/or Service Ribbon with one star). Meeting the qualification in each of the two campaigns would warrant the Medal and two Bronze Service Stars. However, if an individual's 30 or 60 days began in one campaign and carried over into the 2d campaign, they would only qualify for the Kosovo Campaign Medal and one Service Star.

Components: The following are authorized components of the Kosovo Campaign Medal.
a. Decoration (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/269.
b. Decoration (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/269.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/532.
d. Lapel Button: MIL-DTL-11484-266.

Background: a. The Kosovo Campaign Medal was established by Executive Order 13154, dated 3 May 2000 to recognize the accomplishments of military service members who participated in or was in direct support of the Kosovo Operations.
b. The Kosovo Campaign Medal will be worn in chronological sequence after the Southwest Asia Service Medal or after the last Service Award. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in chapter 9, 840-10.

Kosovo Campaign

Friday, January 22, 2010

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Ribbon


Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Bluebird 67117; 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101; 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/16 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 3/16 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/16 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101, 3/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 5/32 inch Bluebird 67117.

Description: A bronze color metal disc 1 3/8 inches in diameter, charged with a shield adapted from the Great Seal of the United States surmounting two swords hilts to base saltirewise enclosed within a wreath of laurel; overall an eagle, wings displayed, grasping in its claws a serpent. On the reverse, the eagle, serpent and swords from the front of the medal with the encircling inscription “WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL.”

Symbolism: The shield and eagle represent the United States. The swords denote readiness and the resolve to fight international terrorism, which is symbolized by the serpent crushed in the eagle’s claws. The wreath denotes honor and achievement.

Criteria:
a. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism Operations on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. The complete listing of areas of eligibility (AOE) are: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria (Bourgas), Chad, Columbia, Crete, Cyprus, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo (only specified GWOT operations not associated with operations qualifying for the Kosovo Campaign Medal), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (Constanta), Saudia Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, that portion of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees longitude, Bab El Mandeb, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Suez, that portion of the Mediterranean Sea east of 28 degrees east longitude (“boarding and searching” vessel operations), Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal.

b. To be eligible for the award, a soldier must be assigned, attached or mobilized to a unit participating in designated operations for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days in the AOE, or meet one of the following criteria: 1) Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless, of time in the AOE. 2) While participating in the designated operation, regardless of time, is killed or wounded/injured requiring medical evacuation from the AOE. 3) Soldiers participating as a regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the AOE in direct support of Operations Enduring Freedom and/or Iraqi Freedom. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with the criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.

c. The medal may be awarded posthumously to any soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in Global War on Terrorism Operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

d. Only one award of the GWOTEM may be authorized for any individual. A message will be transmitted at a later date by the Military Awards Branch to address battle stars/service stars.

e. Battle Stars (Bronze Service Stars) may be applicable for service members who were engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action. Only the Combatant Commander can initiate a request for a Battle Star. The request will contain the specific unit(s) or individual(s) engaged in actual combat, the duration for which actual combat was sustained and a detailed description of the actions against the enemy. The Chairman, Joints Chiefs of Staff is the approving authority for Battle Stars. The approval of Battle Stars for CJCS is authority for the senior Army Commander in the combat theater to approval campaign participation credit.

f. Effective 30 April 2005, the GWOTEM is no longer authorized to be awarded for service in Afghanistan and/or Iraq. However, the GWOTEM is still authorized for service in the other geographical areas of eligibility.

g. Service members qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service between 24 October 2001 and 30 April 2005, in Afghanistan, shall remain qualified for the medal. Any such soldier may be awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ACM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. No soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement or period of service.

h. Service members qualified for the GWOTEM by reasons of service between 19 March 2003 and 30 April 2005, in Iraq, shall remain qualified for the medal. Any such soldier may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ICM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. No soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement or period of service.

5. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:

a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/307. NSN 8455-01-506-7144 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.

b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/307. Available commercially.

c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/579. Available commercially.

d. Lapel Button (ribbon replica): MIL-DTL-11484/295. Available commercially.

6. Background: a. On 20 September 2002, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, requested the Institute provide suggested designs. This was accomplished and the design was selected on 7 January 2003. Executive Order 13289, dated 12 March 2003, signed by President Bush, established this medal. The Office of The Under Secretary of Defense approved additions to the designated geographical areas of eligibility on 21 March 2005 and 29 December 2006.

b. In order of precedence, the GWOTEM will be worn before the GWOTSM and both shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (i.e., KCM, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, KDSM, etc.).

c. Soldiers may receive both the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) if they meet the requirements of both awards; however, the same period of service establishing eligibility for one cannot be used to justify service eligibility for the other.

d. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, 840-10.

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Bumper Sticker

Global War on Terrorism Service

Global War on Terrorism Service


Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/8 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101; 5/16 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1/16 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/8 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 5/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178.

Description: A bronze color metal disc 1 3/8 inches in diameter, charged with an eagle, wings displayed, with a stylized shield of thirteen vertical bars on its breast and holding in dexter claw an olive branch and in sinister claw three arrows, all in front of a terrestrial globe with the inscription above “WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE MEDAL.” On the reverse is a laurel wreath on a plain field.

Symbolism: The eagle and shield, adapted from the Great Seal, represent the United States. They protect the globe above and behind, symbolizing American resolve to combat and overcome global elements of international terrorism. The laurel wreath represents the drive for peace. The three arrows signify vigilance, resolve and peace.

Criteria:
a. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations outside the designated areas of eligibility (AOE) for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Initial award of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) will be limited to airport security operations (from 27 September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and soldiers who supported Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

b. All soldiers on active duty, including Reserve Component soldiers mobilized, or National Guard soldiers activated on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined, having served 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM.

c. The medal may be awarded posthumously to any soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in Global War on Terrorism Operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

d. Only one award of the GWOTSM may be authorized for any individual. A message will be transmitted at a later date by the Military Awards Branch to address battle stars/service stars.

5. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:

a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/308. NSN 8455-01-506-7170 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.

b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/308. Available commercially.

c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/580. Available commercially.

d. Lapel Button (ribbon replica): MIL-DTL-11484/296. Available commercially.

6. Background: a. On 20 September 2002, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, requested the Institute provide suggested designs. This was accomplished and the design was selected on 7 January 2003. Executive Order 13289, dated 12 March 2003, signed by President Bush, established this medal.

b. In order of precedence, the GWOTEM will be worn before the GWOTSM and both shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (i.e., KCM, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, KDSM, etc.).

c. Soldiers may receive both the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) if they meet the requirements of both awards; however, the same period of service establishing eligibility for one cannot be used to justify service eligibility for the other.

d. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, 840-10.

Global War on Terrorism Bumper Sticker

Iraq Campaign Military Ribbon

Iraq Campaign


Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Green 67129; 1/16 inch White 67101; 5/32 inch Black 67138; 7/16 inch Chamois 67142; 5/32 inch Black 67138; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Green 67129; 1/16 inch White 67101; 5/32 inch Scarlet 67111.

Description: On a bronze metal 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter the relief of Iraq, surmounted by two lines throughout, surmounting a palm wreath. Above is the inscription “IRAQ CAMPAIGN.” On the reverse, the Statue of Freedom surmounting a sunburst, encircled by two scimitars points down crossed at tip of blades, all above the inscription “FOR SERVICE IN IRAQ.”

Symbolism: The relief of Iraq represents the area of operation. The lines symbolize the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, recalling Iraq’s title as “the land of two rivers.” The palm wreath denotes peace and honor. The Statue of Freedom represents the ideals and goals of the United States army to bring stability and improve the way of life for Iraq. The sunburst symbolizes hope and success. The two scimitars recall the swords erected by Sadam Hussein during his reign; the points down symbolize the goal for freedom of the Iraqi people, after the fall of Hussein. The ribbon reflects the colors of the Iraq flag. Green is the traditional color for Islam. Red honors the fighting courage for the pursuit of freedom. White denotes generosity and black exemplifies Islam’s success.

Criteria:
a. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) on or after 19 March 2003 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OIF. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles.

b. To be eligible for the award, a soldier must be personally present and assigned or attached to a unit participating in OIF in Iraq, or on official duties in Iraq in support of OIF, for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days in Iraq or meet one of the following criteria: 1) Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless, of time in the Iraq. 2) While participating in OIF or on official duties, regardless of time, is killed or wounded/injured requiring medical evacuation from Iraq. 3) While participating as a regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of OIF; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with the criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.

c. The medal may be awarded posthumously to any soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in qualifying operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

d. A bronze star is worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon for one or more days of participation in each designated campaign phase. The designated campaigns are:

• Liberation of Iraq 19 March 2003 - 1 May 2003
•Transition of Iraq 2 May 2003 - 28 June 2004
•Iraqi Governance 29 June 2004 – 15 December 2005
•National Resolution 16 December 2005 – Date to be determined

e. Service members qualified for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) by reasons of service between 19 March 2003 and 30 April 2005, in Iraq, shall remain qualified for the medal. Any such soldier may be awarded the ICM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ICM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. No soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement or period of service.

5. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:

a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/319. NSN 8455-01-527-8023 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.

b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/319. Available commercially.

c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/594. Available commercially.

d. Lapel Button (ribbon replica): MIL-DTL-11484/313. Available commercially.

6. Background: a. Public Law 108-234, dated 28 May 2004 and Executive Order 13363, dated 29 November 2004, established the medal. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense announced the establishment of campaign phases on 19 February 2008.

b. In order of precedence, the ICM will be worn before the Global War On Terrorism Medal (GWOTEM) and shall directly follow the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) (i.e., KCM, ACM, ICM, GWOTEM, etc.).

c. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, AR 840-10.

Iraq Campaign Ribbon Bumper Sticker

Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon


Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon


Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/64 inch Emerald 67128; 3/16 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/8 inch Black 67138; 7/32 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/32 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/32 inch White 67101; 1/32 inch Scarlet 67111; 7/32 inch White 67101; 1/8 inch Black 67138; 3/16 inch Scarlet 67111; 5/64 inch Emerald 67128.

Description: On a bronze metal 1 3/8 inches (3.49 cm) in diameter above a range of mountains is a map of Afghanistan. Around the top is the inscription “AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN.” On the reverse, a radiating demi-sun superimposed by an eagle’s head couped. Inscribed across the bottom half of the reserve side are the three lines “FOR SERVICE” “IN” “AFGHANISTAN” all enclosed by a laurel wreath.

Symbolism: Mountains dominate the landscape of Afghanistan. The map of the country highlights the theater of operation and our commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom. The eagle, a symbol of the United States and the American spirit, is constantly vigilant, ready to defend freedom. The rising sun embodies a new start for Afghanistan and its road to a free and prosperous future. The laurel wreath is for honor and high achievement. The ribbon reflects the colors of the new Afghanistan flag and the red, white and blue represent the United States and its allies.

Criteria:
a. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who deploy to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined or the cessation of OEF. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land.

b. To be eligible for the award, a soldier must be personally present and assigned or attached to a unit participating in OEF, or on official duties in Afghanistan in support of OEF, for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days in Afghanistan or meet one of the following criteria: 1) Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy and under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless, of time in the Afghanistan. 2) While participating in OEF or on official duties, regardless of time, is killed or wounded/injured requiring medical evacuation from Afghanistan. 3) While participating as a regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Afghanistan in direct support of OEF; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with the criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement.

c. The medal may be awarded posthumously to any soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in qualifying operations, without regard to length of such service, if otherwise eligible.

d. A bronze service star is worn on the suspension and campaign ribbon for one or more days of participation in each designated campaign phase. The designated campaigns are:

•Liberation of Afghanistan 11 September 2001 - 30 November 2001
•Consolidation I 1 December 2001 – 30 September 2006
•Consolidation II 1 October 2006 – Date to be determined

e. Service members qualified for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) by reasons of service between 24 October 2001 and 30 April 2005, in Afghanistan, shall remain qualified for the medal. Any such soldier may be awarded the ACM in lieu of the GWOTEM for such service. Additionally, any such soldier authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the ACM with arrowhead device in lieu of the GWOTEM with arrowhead device. No soldier shall be entitled to both medals for the same act, achievement or period of service.

5. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:

a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/318B. NSN 8455-01-527-8027 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.

b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/318B. Available commercially.

c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/593. Available commercially.

d. Lapel Button (ribbon replica): MIL-DTL-11484/312. Available commercially.

6. Background: a. Public Law 108-234, dated 28 May 2004 and Executive Order 13363, dated 29 November 2004, established the medal. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense announced the establishment of campaign phases on 19 February 2008.

b. In order of precedence, the ACM will be worn before the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) and shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (i.e., KCM, ACM, ICM, GWOTEM, etc.).

c. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, AR 840-10.

Afghanistan Campaign Bumper Sticker
Welcome to Official Military Ribbons, I am going to provide information on the various military ribbons awarded to United States Military service members as well as the ribbons awarded to military units.

I am going to start with the most recent military campaigns and conflicts and work back to the oldest the Revolutionary War. Once I have completed the information on the military campaigns and conflicts, I will begin providing information and photos on the personal military ribbons.