National Defense Service Medal No Longer Authorized in 2023! Who is authorized the NDSM??

Ribbon Wear Guide for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force , Space MilitaryForce and Coast Guard for 2024 is now available: www.moapress.com. This video reviews who is authorized the National Defense Service Medal. The National Defense Service Medal is a military medal awarded to all members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in any one of the four specific period of armed conflict or national emergency from June 27, 1950 to December 31, 2022. For replacement medals, ribbons, insignia, shadow boxes and more shop our on line catalog: www.medalsofamerica.com/onlin...
The four campaigns were the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism.
The pentagon has announced the award of a medal to all who serve on active duty will be terminated as of 31 Dec. 2022 based on the fact that the United States is no longer involved in large scale combat operations in response to the 2001 terrorist attack on civilians in New York City and Arlington Virginia.
Special thanks to Medals Of America for providing all of the awards and insignia you will see. WW.W.MedalsofAmerica.com.
Medals of America is a Veteran Owned and Operated Company. They are authorized to carry all officially licensed goods by all the branches of service. MOA is also hallmarked and approved by the Institute of Heraldry to make and sell U.S. Made Official Uniform Items, as well as, what we are known for, our mounted medals and Mil-Thin Ribbons. They are the best source for your ribbons, medals and official uniform items and original military shadow boxes.

[@jastdi2]

Interesting. First ribbon I ever wore in 1965.

[@unkorichie2029]

I received two National Defense Medals; Gulf War, and Global War on Terror.

[@annettemalaski1967]

Now the new veterans know how some of we older veterans feel when twelve years of AD service did not even garner a DSH!

[@mitchellaugustine7769]

My 5 month mission awarded me 4 extra medals. That was right before the war was over

[@davidm3000ify]

According to my late brother (Vietnam, 1966), "Red for the blood not shed, white for the eyes unseen, blue for the rivers you didn't cross, and yellow, the reason why."

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

Ah, also called the Shirley Hwy Medal ( road leading to the Pentagon).

[@randyramey6549]

I have never heard that before. Thank You for that quote.

[@romad357]

I was awarded two: the first for the Vietnam War time frame and the second for the Desert Shield/Storm time frame. My father also had two: Korea and Vietnam to go along with the equivalent from just before World War II, the American Defense Service Medal.

[@rifleman762]

I was issued my national defense service medal (also known as the fire watch medal, because all we did was stand fire watch) in May 1992 when I graduated from boot camp at Parris island.

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

yeah, I stood a few fire watches also…I think we all did!

[@jgreen2592]

I have also heard this medal referred to as the "Road Guard Medal". In the Army a road guard is the person(s) in a troop formation who block vehicle traffic when the formation is marching or running. Still the medal shows you served your nation in time of need.

[@rifleman762]

@@jgreen2592 oh yes! We have all heard the Drill instructor yell "Road Guard out!" Or "road guard recover!" More than a few times!

[@barkermjb]

I entered service in 1983. Didn’t get the NDSM until the First Gulf War (Desert Shield/Desert Storm) in 1990. Second award for GWOT. It’s called peacetime, although it sure doesn’t seem like it’s peacetime….

[@roberthansen9694]

I served reserve with several active-duty periods from the 60's through the GWOT so am authorized three NDSM. It was actually the first medal I ever received. However, in one of my veteran's groups there is a fellow that served four years of active duty and is not eligible. One important distinction: if you service was only for training purposes, and you never served on active duty you are not eligible. We kicked a fellow out of our veteran's group as he served 9 years in the reserves as an E1 and only earned the army training ribbon (he told people he was an ex marine with multiple purple hearts) which we discovered when we tried to verify his service).

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

Three NDSM is really rare...that s a lot of miles on your boots!

[@roberthansen9694]

@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 when i had my medal rack made they even called me up to make sure it was accurate. I've tried to get MOA on the phone, but they haven't answered my emails or returned my phone calls. My retirement letter credits me with 42 years, 3 mos and 17 days of service -- reserve and active.

[@MrJMB122]

,@@roberthansen9694 I need to see that shadow box.

[@HereticBra55]

Seeing the younger kids only having one decoration out of initial training is such a weird feeling, especially since I graduated with 3: NDSM, A&STR, and GWOT

[@nathangallegos9304]

Sometimes I wish we earned awarded GWOT but since it was stopped I feel inside War on Terrorism never ended

[@G1CAAAAEO]

As a non-American soldier it is weird for us to see people leave initiat training with already medals on their chest. Earned my first one after 8 years of active duty! But I guess other country have harder requirements and have less decoration categories.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

@@G1CAAAAEOSome Lesser Awards for Exceptional and or The Best Performance in Certain Training Some Standard Awards for Participation Great Way to Help Morale and Teach Regalia Use from The Start But ofcourse You Can’t Hand out Too Many Free Rewards or It Mean’s Nothing

[@dick8193]

I graduated from Navy bootcamp in 1963 with NO medals. I earned mine on a ship off the coast of Viet Nam in 1965-66 and 67.

[@davidisbell4033]

For me, it's weird seeing anyone leave basic training with anything but a shooting award. I once saw an Airman fresh out of Basic wearing the NDSM, GWOT-Service, AF Small Arms Expert Ribbon, BMT Honor Graduate Ribbon, and the AF Training Ribbon. Yep, he was stacked 5-deep and hadn't even been to technical training. It took me 8 years in the Marine Corps to acquire 5 ribbon awards. That was a strange sight to behold.

[@Pluvo2for1]

Thank you for putting the effort into another interesting episode. You have an enviable level of knowledge. Please keep it coming.

[@DustyB]

My cousin who is a year older than me started serving in the Marine Corps about 2 years ago received both the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He probably was one of the last groups to receive both of these medals. I’m about to leave for Army basic training in about 2 weeks so the only ribbon I’m going to receive would be the Army Service Ribbon.

[@penandsword4386]

Don't worry! You'll have experiences, memories, and medals that symbolize your training and overseas service. No two medal cases are quite alike. And thank you for serving!

[@Doc_Egan]

Glad you did an update on this.

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

thank you

[@richardsnow7299]

Most interesting Colonel. Thanks for this video

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joeg6385]

Sir Great history lesson on the NDSM. Thank you for the video.

[@w.p8960]

In USMC 1962 /1967 No medals were awarded to me until 1965 when I got a Good Conduct. If I had not extended to go to Nam. That would have been it. One good drunk and I would have gotten out wearing an Expert badge.

[@richardfish8379]

thk for including Cost Guard..

[@josephdeangelisjr.6282]

Served 30 years from Nov.1969 to Dec.1999...just a few months shy of being able to have served during 3 periods ...

[@randyramey6549]

Thank You for your service to our country!

[@comm2531]

I think this medal parallels closely but not exactly similar to what membership in the American Legion was prior to now letting everyone in. You had to have served during a WAR or a CONFLICT (As in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama). The NDSM is only given to war eras but NOT for CONFLICTS. Which is kind of strange. Involvement in Lebanon lasted longer than the first Gulf War and more people were killed there in those 2 years than the first Gulf War. None of these required being in country for eligibility. I was eligible for American Legion but not an NDSM. 1982-85

[@WilliamFlemming-gk3cn]

Was in service from 1975 to 1979, no natl service metal, although told I could get natl cold war metal, but haven't heard on how to apply.

[@1106gary]

I was on active duty USAF 1963-1967. The NDSM is on my dd214. Thus, it seems right to say I am authorized to wear it. However, while I was on active duty no one gave me the medal or even told me I was allowed to wear the ribbon. So saying I was AWARDED the medal seems a gross exaggeration. Strangely, my main duty Air Defense Command base made sure every one wore a Presidential Unit Citation ribbon from a 1944 action which we had to take off when transferred to a different unit.

[@sandovalperry2895]

I would be possible to be award 3 NDSM in a less than 30 year career. I received my first in 1972, the second in 1991 and would have gotten a third if I had retired at 30 years instead of 27.

[@Eagle_1-327]

I did not receive a NDSM for my service with the 1sr Armored Division in Germany during the Cold War nor did I receive a NDSM for my service with the 101st Airborne Division as part of Rapid Deployment Force. No. Nope. Nada. I received the NDSM for serving in an ROTC Brigade headquarters (and working on a master’s degree) at Fort Dix, New Jersey during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Go figure.

[@jeffblacky]

I got 2 Desert Storm War on terror Hooah

[@jonyoung6405]

Even Gomer Pyle got one .

[@markmclaughlin2690]

Served as an Armor Crewman US Army 1985-1994 we called it the IBB I’ve Been To Basic Badge.

[@davegustavson7084]

Fun trivia. New folks were happy about this award. Those of us with with multiple deployments were annoyed by having to add the McDonald's ribbon for both the 1st Gulf War and GWoT.

[@monsterram6617]

Considering all you had to do was add a star on the ribbon, idk what you're so annoyed about... Btw, me and nearly everyone in my unit had multiple deployments when this was reissued after 9/11/2001 and no one cared or complained about it.

[@MarkM58]

When I was in the Navy, it was referred to as the Geedunk Medal because, up to 1975 just about everyone had it.

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

Ah, it does have some colorful nicknames!

[@G1CAAAAEO]

If everyone has that medal then nobody has to medal right?

[@MarkM58]

@@G1CAAAAEO It is not a competition.

[@comm2531]

Frankly, i think well made certificates are better than medals. Especially if you get one with a signiture like from a high office with the Seal of the United States. Everyone knows a Cold War Certificate is kind of lame but i do like the fact the paper comes from and signed by the Secretary of Defense. I also like my Honorable Discharge letter from the Commandant of the Marine Corps that came with my discharge certificate. I could really care less about marksmanship medals. I also got a very colorful certificate i got laminated of Desert Storm from Blount Island Command as i was working a DOD contract during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia. It has all the coalition countries listed on there. I was with the Maritime Preposition Ships loading ships there for 8 months. Shipboard 5 years all over. I never rated a NDSM not knocking it, but after all the places i been after my military service, including war zones and hotspots, I am not impressed about a NDSM and view it like a low level coin.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

Strange Use Respectable Purpose But The Wartime Requirement or whatever Is Estranging

[@alanbeesley525]

I am a retired army I have 3 national defense medals, nam gulf war and war on tear. 12:24

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

that is cool. I I have never seen a national Defense service medal with two bronze stars on it.

[@Dr._Ghost]

I'm cool w/ being a peace time soldier.

[@TommyH.-qh7yp]

Help please. I served in Navy Feb. 1985 to Jan. 10, 1991. I was on USS Francis Hammond FF1067 getting underway on 8 December 1990 for Western Pacific and Indian Ocean to participate in Operation Desert Shield arriving in Subic Bay 28 December 1990. The Navy being what it is would not allow me to stay behind to discharge in Feb. 1991. Shortly before arriving in Subic I was told I'd be sent back to the States to be discharged. I had 4 days in January to get checked out at 32nd St. Naval Base San Diego - why there and not Long Beach I have no idea. Because of the war, the ship being overseas and who knows what else, there's nothing on my DD-214 or in service record about a National Defense Medal. I should be qualified for that, correct?

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

yes, you should.

[@Police_Supporter]

Got all the pawpaws patches ribbons and medals one of them were that there he was in the national guard in the earlys 70-s

[@edzgang2]

Can you do the GWOT one?

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

yes sir, will try to have the GWOT changes next week.

[@user-ch6to6fl5y]

Okay so I graduated basic training before they stopped giving the nation defense medal and I received one but I graduated AIT after Dec 30 2022 so would I still be able to wear the ndm?

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

yes

[@phillipbrandt6075]

The 3rd ID patch in the shadow box is not just wrong it's really wrong. The top left corner should be blue, this patch is on it's side.

[@MarkM58]

There was a long period in the '70s and '80s where it was not awarded, either.

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

You are correct, 1975 to 1990.

[@davidisbell4033]

We fresh Devil Dogs graduated boot camp with rifle shooting badges and nothing else. Prior-service crossovers were not permitted to wear their fruit salad at graduation. Like others here, we called the NDSM the "fire watch ribbon" when we were awarded it years later during the original Gulf War era. I received a second before retiring. I'm glad it finally reached a cutoff date.

[@timothymeyer602]

Glad they finally got rid of it

[@showmeyourdaleel6568]

I am too. You literally only had to graduate basic training to get it.

[@monsterram6617]

They didn't get rid of it. The medal has ceased being issued because the country is not currently at war. Once we get into another conflict, it will be issued again. Btw, even if you're only accomplishment is graduating basic, if it's during a time of war; you rate the NDSM.

[@ferninarvin5173]

How much Asiatic pacific campieng

[@wernerpanchenko6542]

That is a shame

[@dw7094]

Got news for everybody, these medals and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Once you get out, or retire, these medals have no value. Employers don't care., they just want to know what you're qualified to do, and how much money you can bring to the company. All mine have been boxed up in the garage ever since retirement some 35 years ago.

[@lorenzomaximo1818]

I think this is terrible. As a Vietnam veteran anyone that raises their right hand and takes the oath to defend the United States with their lives. Should receive the metal and ribbon whether we are at war or not to defend the nation should qualify.

[@michaelallison1255]

great information i have all of my dads medals.

[@rwdchannel2901]

Soldiers shouldn't be getting 3 ribbons for graduating basic training.

[@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376]

I agree with you.

[@rwdchannel2901]

@@veteransmedalsworkshop-moa4376 You know what I got for saving my squad leader's life? A challenge coin from the commanding general of the 101st airborne.

[@Clancy192]

They gave these to the Taliban too! FJB!