History

The National Defence Service Medal was authorized by President Dwight Eisenhower by Executive Order on April 22, 1953. The Bronze Medal was awarded to all members of the Armed Forces in recognition of federal service performed as part of normal extended active duty. The Medal was initially awarded for service in the Korean War between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954. The award of the Medal was later expanded in 1966 to reward service in the Vietnam War provided from January 1, 1961, to August 14, 1974, and again by the Defence Department in 1991 to reward service in the Persian Gulf War between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995. Following the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, the Medal has been awarded for service in the War on Terror since 2001.

A bronze star emblem may be worn on the ribbon to denote additional awards of the Medal made in recognition of more than one period of service. A bronze oak leaf clasp may also be awarded with the Medal.