National Defense Service Medal — Military Decorations
National Defense Service Medal Medal and Ribbon Design Images
The National Defense Service Ribbon is a circular, gold medal with an eagle with its wings extended emblazoned on the front.
What is the National Defense Service Medal Decoration?
The National Defense Service Medal is awarded to anyone has served on active duty in the United States Armed Forced during either the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. This award can be awarded to Reserve members if they are in good standing even though they are not on active duty. Unlike other awards, Cadets and midshipmen may receive it even if they have yet to graduate their schools. Each additional award is signified by a bronze star and can only be granted per different conflict period mentioned above.
The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The National Defense Service Medal medal is classified as a Service Award of the type General Service Medal.
How Do You Earn the National Defense Service Medal?
This medal is awarded for serving honorably in either the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism.
Displaying the National Defense Service Medal
The Order of Precedence of the National Defense Service Medal is 78, 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.
This ribbon is displayed between the Navy Occupation Service Medal (Navy, Marines, & Coast Guard), Army of the Occupation Medal (Army), Medal of Humane action (Air FOrce) and the Korean Service Medal.
National 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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National 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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National 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 National Defense Service Medal can result in punishment including a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both
