Korea Defense Service Medal — Military Decorations
Korea Defense Service Medal Medal and Ribbon Design Images
The medal is a bronze circular medallion with a stylized dragon in the center. The words "Korean Defense Service" is emblazoned along the edges.
What is the Korea Defense Service Medal Decoration?
The Korea Defense Service Medal was created in 2002 by President George W. Bush. It is authorized for members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in South Korea after the creation of the Korean Armistice Agreement. To qualify for this medal, a member of the armed forces must have served at least 60 non-consecutive days in South Korea.The medal was made retroactive to all members as far back as the end of the Korean war in July of 1954.Only one award is authorized regardless of time served in the Korean theater.
The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The Korea Defense Service Medal medal is classified as a Service Award of the type General Service Medal.
How Do You Earn the Korea Defense Service Medal?
Korea Defense Medal is awarded to those who have served in South Korea for 60 days or more.
Displaying the Korea Defense Service Medal
The Order of Precedence of the Korea Defense Service Medal is 80, and this precedence is used when placing the associated service ribbon on your uniform ribbon rack. You can see a full list of decorations in the order of precedence on the Decorations homepage.
The ribbon is worn between the Global War on Terrorism Service medal and the Armed Forces Service Medal.
Korea Defense Service Medal Associated Branches
Army |
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Navy |
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Air Force |
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Marine Corps |
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Coast Guard |
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Korea Defense Service Medal Associated Branches
Army |
|
Navy |
|
Air Force |
|
Marine Corps |
 |
Coast Guard |
|
Korea Defense Service Medal and the Stolen Valor Act
The Stolen Valor Act of 2013 is a federal law that makes it illegal for any person to falsely claim to be the recipient of certain military awards, "with the intention of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit by convincing another that he or she received the award".This decoration is covered by the Stolen Valor act. Fraudulently claiming to have received a Korea Defense Service Medal can result in punishment including a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both
