National Defense Service Medal | Medals of America

Learn More At: www.medalsofam...
Authorized: Initially authorized by executive order on April 22, 1953. It is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces for any honorable active federal service during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and/or Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Criteria: The criteria to receive this award is to have 120 consecutive days of service participating in, or any honorable active duty service during any of the above periods.

[@James-qz5ny]

Im a recipient, im proud i served i love the USA people and most of all God.

[@chitgussin]

Yes I received this medal and still have it. Also received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal. Served in Korea from December 1968 to January 1970.

[@billace90]

Thank you for your service. It looks like we both served in Korea during the same time period. I also keep my medals.

[@cschoat]

I too have earned this award, with star. Received Armed Forces medal for Panama in 89, and the Korean Defense Service Medal for two tours in Korea.

[@SoapinTrucker]

I have this one, of 8, with multiple ribbons (4 Sea Service deployments for example), for a total of 14 awards, but only ONE National Defense. USN 81-92 :)

[@invoxicated]

Received mine for service in the US Navy 70-74 along with Vietnam Service 1&2, Vietnam Campaign, Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.

[@harryandruschak2843]

US NAVY 1963-1973. Yes, I got one of these medals. Also a Good Conduct Medal (twice). Nothing else since I worked mostly on NTDS with a top rank of DS-1.

[@ColonelMarcellus]

When I was in high school (1970) it was called "The National Defense Act Medal". You'd see the ribbon on almost every military service uniform, sometimes (in the case of a new recruit or private) it would be the only one.

[@judpowell1756]

the Navy called it the "gedunk" medal.........all you had to do was finish boot camp to get it

[@spidermcgavenport8767]

served 99'-03' Gunner's Mate 2nd Class earned one.

[@spidermcgavenport8767]

manned the forecastle .50 Cal mount(s) 501/502. USS San Jacinto CG-56. Sept 11, 01. carried two M2 Browning .50 Cals that day. from aft too forecastle twice.

[@granskare]

I was in the USAF from 1956 into 1960 but those of us who only served in that time span were not eligible for this medal even though we were there....

[@jerrypowers5763]

got mine 1972-73

[@kayp4601]

The I got my job and graduated basic training medal.

[@imthetruth5329]

can you talk about the Dominican Champaign medal