DOD officials OK medal for defense - Airman's World - National Defense Service Medal - Brief Article

Airman, July, 2002 by Rudt Williams

WASHINGTON -- All service members, including Coast Guardsmen, on active duty on or after Sept. 11, may wear the National Defense Service Medal, said Department of Defense officials.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz said, "The sacrifices and contributions made by the armed forces in direct response to the terrorism attacks on the United States and to the long-term resolution of terrorism merit special recognition."

National Guard and Reserve members on federal active duty on or after Sept. 11 also may receive the medal. Exceptions are if they were on active duty for training, on short tours of active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and the like, or on active duty just to get a physical exam.

Service members have worn the National Defense Service Medal for duty during three other distinct periods: the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Shield and Storm.

There has not been a closing date established for this newest period.

Those eligible can receive and wear the award immediately. Those who earned the medal for an earlier period will receive a bronze service star device to attach to the ribbon.

Established by President Eisenhower in 1953, the National Defense Service Medal is for military service during a time of war or conflict regardless of where the service member served.