China Service Medal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids China Service Medal |
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| Presented by | the Department of the Navy |
The China Service Medal was a special award given to members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. This medal was created on July 1, 1942. It recognized military personnel who served in or near China during important times before and after World War II.
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Who Earned This Medal?
The China Service Medal was given to people who served in China or on ships supporting operations there during two main periods:
- First Period: From July 7, 1937, to September 7, 1939. This was before the United States officially entered World War II.
- Second Period: From September 2, 1945, to April 1, 1957. This period was after World War II ended.
To earn the medal, a person had to be on permanent duty with a U.S. naval service group that was involved in operations in China. This included serving on land in China, on nearby islands, or on ships operating in Chinese waters.
If someone earned the medal for service in both periods, they could wear a small bronze service star on their medal ribbon. This showed they had been recognized twice for their service in China. The China Service Medal is no longer awarded today.
What Does the Medal Look Like?
The China Service Medal was designed by an American sculptor named George Holburn Snowden.
- The medal is made of bronze and is about 1.25 inches wide.
- On the front, called the obverse, there is a picture of a three-sailed Chinese junk boat sailing on waves. Around the boat, it says "China Service" in a special Asian-style writing.
- On the back, called the reverse, there is a bald eagle facing left. The eagle is holding laurels (a symbol of victory) and is perched on an anchor.
- Next to the eagle, it says "For" on the left and "Service" on the right.
- Above the eagle, the medal says either "United States Navy" for sailors or "United States Marine Corps" for Marines.
- The ribbon for the medal is gold with red stripes on each side.
Famous People Who Received It
Some well-known individuals who received the China Service Medal include:
- Jimmy Carter: He later became a President of the United States.
- Gene Hackman: A famous actor.
Learn More
- Awards and decorations of the United States military
- Yangtze Service Medal
