How do you get a National Defense Service Medal?

Often abbreviated NDSM, the National Defense Service Medal, is awarded to those who have served an honorable service during dates of conflicts. The National Defense Service Medal is jokingly referred to as a participation medal because it is awarded for honorable active duty service.

When was the National Defense medal authorized?

April 22, 1953
The National Defense Service Medal was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on April 22, 1953. At the time of its creation, the medal was intended for eligible members of the Armed Forces who serviced between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954.

Who gets a National Defense ribbon?

Award criteria The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is awarded to anyone who has served on active duty, or as an active reservist, in the United States Armed Forces during any of four specified time periods.

Does the National Defense Service Medal make me a protected veteran?

Protected veteran is a term defined by the U.S. government as someone who is disabled, recently separated from the military, served in wartime or during a campaign, or earned the Armed Forces Service Medal.

Can you wear both GWOT medals?

For those participating in multiple operations, both the GWOT Service and GWOT Expeditionary Medal may be authorized, but both medals can no longer be bestowed for the same qualifying period of service.

Can I wear the GWOT ribbon?

While the GWOT Service Commemorative Medal and, in fact, all commemorative medals are not authorized for wear by active duty military service members, they are still a great way to recognize the service of both active duty and veteran military service members.

Do we get National Defense ribbon?

“At this time, there are no plans to discontinue awarding the NDSM.” The NDSM is awarded to anyone who serves during a period of war; it was first given out during the Korean War. The service member does not have to serve in a war zone, and the ribbon is pinned on their uniform upon graduating basic training.

Can you have two National Defense Service Medals?

Additional awards of the National Defense Service Medal are authorized for members of the military who served in more than one of the eligible time periods. Each additional award is denoted by a 3⁄16-inch bronze service star attached to the ribbon.