Philippine Defense Ribbon
The Philippine Defense Ribbon is awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from 8 December 1941 to 15 June 1942, under either of the following conditions:
(1) Participation in any engagement against the enemy in Philippine territory, in Philippine waters, or in the air over the Philippines or over Philippine waters. An individual will be considered as having participated in an engagement if they meet one of the following: Was a member of the defense garrison of the Bataan Peninsula or of the fortified islands at the entrance to Manila Bay.
(a) Was a member of and present with a unit actually under enemy fire or air attack.
(b) Served on a ship that was under enemy fire or air attack.
(c) Was a crewmember or passenger in an airplane that was under enemy aerial or ground fire.
(2) Assigned or stationed in Philippine territory or in Philippine waters for not less than 30 days during the period. b. Individuals who meet conditions set forth in paragraphs 9–7a(1) and (2) are authorized to wear a bronze service star on the ribbon.
Philippine Liberation Ribbon
Requirements. Awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from 17 October 1944 to 3 September 1945, under any of the following conditions:
(1) Participated in the initial landing operations on Leyte or adjoining islands from 17 October 1944 to 20 October 1944. An individual will be considered as having participated in such operations if he landed on Leyte or adjoining islands, was on a ship in Philippine waters, or was a crewmember of an airplane which flew over Philippine territory during the period.
(2) Participated in any engagement against the enemy during the campaign on Leyte and adjoining islands. An individual will be considered as having participated in combat if he or she meets any of the conditions set forth in paragraphs 9–7a(1) and (2).
(3) Participated in any engagement against the enemy on islands other than those included in paragraph 9–8a(2). An individual will be considered as having participated in combat if they meet any of the conditions set forth in paragraph 9–7a(1)(b) through (d).
(4) Served in the Philippine Islands or on ships in Philippine waters for no less than 30 days during the period.
Bronze service stars. An individual who meets more than one of the conditions set forth in paragraph 9–8a is authorized to wear a bronze service star on the ribbon for each additional condition under which he or she qualifies other than that under which he or she is eligible for the initial award of the ribbon.
Philippine Independence Ribbon
The Philippine Independence Ribbon is authorized by DA Circular 59, 1948. Any recipient of both the Philippine Defense and Philippine Liberation ribbons is eligible for award of the Philippine Independence Ribbon. U.S. Army personnel authorized to wear the Philippine Independence Ribbon under the established criteria may continue to wear the ribbon, provided the authority for such wear was recorded before 24 November 1954.
For order of precedence, the Philippine Independence Ribbon will follow the Philippine Defense Ribbon
United Nations Service Medal
Background
This medal was authorized by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 12, 1950. The Department of Defense authorized it for the United States armed forces on Nov. 27, 1951.
Criteria
It is awarded to officers and enlisted men of the armed forces of the United States who participated in the action in Korea between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954. This medal is awarded for any period of time spent in combat.
Medal Description
The medal, in bronze alloy, was designed within the United Nations, along the lines of British medals. The obverse shows the emblem of the United Nations--a polar projection map of the world taken from the North Pole, encircled by olive branches. The reverse of the medal has the inscription "For Service in Defense of the Principles of the Charter of the United Nations" set in five centered lines. The outer edge is a raised rim. A bar which is permanently attached to the medal, and through which the ribbon passes, has the word "Korea" centered thereon.
Ribbon Description
The ribbon has seventeen equal alternate stripes of pale blue and white with blue at each edge.
Authorized device: none
Inter-American Defense Board Medal
U.S. military personnel who have served on the Inter-American Defense Board for at least 1 year as chairman of the board, delegates, advisors, officers of the staff, officers of the secretariat, or officers of the Inter-American Defense College may wear the Inter-American Defense Board ribbon permanently.
U.S. military personnel who have been awarded the Inter-American Defense Board Medal and ribbon may wear them when attending meetings, ceremonies, or other functions where Latin American members of the Board are present.
United Nations Medal
Established by the Secretary General of the UN and authorized under EO 11139, 7 January 1964, as amended by EO 13286, 28 February 2003. U.S. Servicemembers who are or have been in the service of the UN in operations designated by the Secretary of Defense may accept the UNM when awarded by the Chief of the UN mission.
Eligibility. The eligibility criteria for award of the UNM requires that an individual serve under the operational or tactical control of the UN and serve a minimum of 90 consecutive days in the service of the UN. Table 9–1 contains an updated list of DOD approved UNMs approved by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense through 30 September 2011.
Department of Defense approved United Nation Medals
- United Nations mission or action
- UN Truce Supervisory Organization in Palestine
- UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan
- UN Service Medal (Korea)
- UN Observation Group in Lebanon
- UN Security Forces, Hollandia
- UN Temporary Executive Authority
- UN Security Force in West New Guinea (West Irian)
- UN Iraq/Kuwait Observation Group
- UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
- UN Advance Mission in Cambodia
- UN Protection Force in Yugoslavia
- UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia
- UN Operation Somalia
- UN Operation in Mozambique
- UN Observation Mission in Georgia
- UN Mission in Haiti (includes U.S. Quick Reaction Force) UN Preventive Deployment Force
- United Nations mission or action
- UN Transitional Administrational Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baran- ja, and Western Sirium
- UN Support Mission in Haiti (includes U.S. Quick Reaction Force) UN Verification Mission in Guatemala
- UN Special Service Medal
- UN Interim Administration in Kosovo
- UN Assistance Mission in East Timor
- UN Transitional Administration in East Timor
- UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
- UN Mission of Support in East Timor
- UN Assistance Mission in Iraq - UN Awards the UN Special Service Medal
- UN Mission in Liberia
- UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti
- African Union/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur
- UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad
- UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wear. Each UN mission for which an UNM is awarded is commemorated by a suspension and service ribbon of unique colors and design. The ribbon and medallion combination take on the name of the specific operation for which the combination was created. For example, the operation in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia is UN Protection Force in Yugoslavia, yielding the UN Protection Force in Yugoslavia Medal. Servicemembers who are awarded an UNM may wear the first UNM with unique suspension and service ribbon for which they qualify. Only one UN ribbon is authorized for wear. A bronze service star will denote subsequent awards of the UNM for service in a different UN mission.
Presentation. The senior representative of the Secretary General who makes the award normally makes presenta- tion of the UNM in the field. Approval authority to accept and wear the UNM for Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States is the Secretary of Defense. When presentation is not accomplished, any person who believes he or she is eligible for award may submit a request for award with copies of substantiating documents to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408. The HRC, ADB will forward each request through the Office of Internal Administration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, to the UN for consideration.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal
The NATO MSM is awarded to military and civilian personnel who have been commended for providing exceptional or remarkable service to NATO.
The eligibility criteria for award of the NATO MSM includes: military and civilian personnel must not have been convicted of serious misconduct or crimes during the period of assignment under NATO command and control; must be serving permanently or temporarily within NATO’s operational chain of command or in those forces under NATO command or control or in a NATO body; must be commended personally by a commander or a head of a NATO body for one of the following:
(1) Performing acts of courage in difficult or dangerous circumstances.
(2) Showing exceptional leadership or personal example.
(3) Making an outstanding individual contribution in any activity or program.
(4) Enduring particular hardship or deprivation in the interest of NATO.
A period of qualifying service is not required. There is no limit to the number of times an individual may be recommended for the NATO MSM.
Where individuals by nature of their duties or location qualify for an operational award, such individuals may also be considered for the award of the NATO MSM in accordance with the criteria detailed above.
Award of the NATO MSM to personnel killed, presumed killed, or repatriated, as a result of being wounded or seriously injured while on assignment may be considered.
Multinational Force and Observers Medal
Eligibility. To qualify for the award personnel must have served with the MFO at least 90 cumulative days after 3 August 1981. Effective 15 March 1985, personnel must serve 6 months (170 days minimum) with the MFO to qualify for the award. Periods of service on behalf of the MFO outside of Sinai and periods of leave while a Servicemember is serving with the MFO may be counted toward eligibility for the MFO medal. Qualifying time may be lost for disciplinary reasons. This award is not authorized for service in Lebanon.
Awards. Awards are made by the Director General, MFO, or in their name by officials to whom they delegate awarding authority.
Presentation. Presentations are usually made by personnel designated by the Director General, MFO. When presentation is not accomplished, any person with MFO service who believes he or she is eligible for the award may submit a request for the award to Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408. This request must include complete details related to MFO duty, including geographical location and inclusive dates of service, and copies of all substantiating documents. Commander, HRC will then forward each request through the Office of Internal Administra- tion, Office of the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, to the MFO for consideration.
Subsequent awards. An appropriate numeral starting with numeral 2 will indicate second and subsequent awards for each completed 6-month tour. If an individual has not completed a cumulative 6-month tour, he or she is not eligible for award of the MFO medal unless one of the following conditions exists:
(1) The award is to be made posthumously.
(2) The Servicemember is medically evacuated due to Service-incurred injuries or serious illness.
(3) The Servicemember is withdrawn at the request of the parent Government for national service reasons under honorable conditions.
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
To qualify for award personnel must meet one of the following requirements:
(1) Have served in the Republic of Vietnam for 6 months during period specified in paragraph 9–14b.
(2) Have served outside the geographical limits of the Republic of Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the Republic of Vietnam and Armed Forces for 6 months. Individuals must meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or the VSM, during the period of service required to qualify for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
(3) Have served as stated in paragraphs 9–14a(1) or (2) for less than 6 months and have been one of the following:
(a) Wounded by hostile forces.
(b) Captured by hostile forces, but later escaped, was rescued, or released.
(c) Killed in action or otherwise in line of duty.
(4) Personnel assigned in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 January 1973 must meet one of the following:
(a) Served a minimum of 60 days in the Republic of Vietnam as of that date.
(b) Completed a minimum of 60 days service in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from 28 January 1973 to 28 March 1973, inclusive.
Eligibility for award under authority of this paragraph is limited to the period from 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1973, inclusive. Eligibility for acceptance of this award solely by virtue of service performed prior to 1 March 1961 or subsequent to March 1973 is governed by paragraph 9–3.
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device (1960) and the miniature medal are items of individual purchase. The Ribbon with device (1960) will be requisitioned per paragraph 1–45 only for initial issue to eligible individuals.
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who participated in Operation DESERT STORM between 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991 in one or more of the following areas: Persian Gulf; Red Sea; Gulf of Oman; that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degree north latitude and west of 68 degree east longitude; the Gulf of Aden; or the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
To be eligible personnel must meet one of the following qualifications:
(1) Be attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days with an organization participating in ground or shore operations.
(2) Be attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations.
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights supporting military operations in the areas designated above.
(4) Serve on TDY for 30 consecutive days during the period 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991 under any of the criteria in paragraphs 9–15b(1) through (3). This time limit may be waived by Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408 for people participating in actual combat operations.
The eligibility period and geographic boundaries were specified by the government of Saudi Arabia and may not be waived.
Posthumous award to the primary next of kin of any Soldier who lost his or her life, while, or as a direct result of, participating in Operation DESERT STORM between 17 January 1991 and 28 February 1991, without regard to the length of such service, will be made by HRC (AHRC–PDP–A).
The KLM–SA, ribbon, and miniature medal are items of individual purchase. The Army accomplished an initial issue to eligible personnel from a one-time stock provided by the government of Saudi Arabia in 1992.
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait)
It is awarded to Servicemembers of the Armed Forces of the United States who served in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 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 degree north latitude and west of 68 degree east longitude; the Gulf of Aden; or the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
To be eligible, personnel must meet one of the following qualifications:
(1) Be attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore operations.
(2) Be attached to or regularly serving for 1 or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations.
(3) Actually participate as a crewmember in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated above.
(4) Serve on TDY for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days during the period 2 August 1990 to 31 August 1993 under any of the criteria in paragraphs 9–16b(1) through (3). This time limit may be waived by Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408 for Soldiers participating in actual combat operations.
The eligibility period and geographic boundaries were specified by the government of Kuwait and may not be waived.
Posthumous award to the primary next of kin of any Soldier who lost his or her life while, or as direct result of, participating in Operations DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993, without regard to the length of such service, will be made by Commander, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Awards and Decorations Branch (AHRC–PDP–A), 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122–5408.
The government of Kuwait provided a one-time stock of the KLM–KU for initial issue to eligible personnel. The medal may be requisitioned through normal supply channels according to paragraph 1–44.
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Criteria. It is awarded to Servicemembers of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in Korea and adjacent waters between 25 June 1950 and 27 July 1953. The service prescribed must have been performed as follows:
(1) While on permanent assignment.
(2) While on TDY within the territorial limits of Korea or on waters immediately adjacent thereto for 30 consecu- tive days or 60 nonconsecutive days.
(3) While as crew members of aircraft, in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations or in support of combat operations.
Supply of the medal. The USAF is the Executive Agency for KWSM. Therefore, requests for award of the medal should be forwarded to the following address: Headquarters, Air Force Personnel Center AFPC/DPSIDR, 550 C Street West, Randolph Air Force Base, TX 78150–4717. The Air Force Personnel Center Web site address is http://www. afpc.randolph.af.mil/awards/.
Order of precedence. Order of precedence for non-U.S. service medals and ribbons is determined by date of approval. Accordingly, the KWSM will be worn after the KLM–KU. For the majority of Korean War veterans, the medal will be worn after the UNM or the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, if they served during the Vietnam Conflict era.