National Defense Service Medal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids National Defense Service Medal
Front side
Type	Service medal
Eligibility	Member of the United States Armed Forces during qualifying periods of national emergency
Awarded for	Military service during a time designated by the Secretary of Defense.
Campaign(s)	Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism
Status	Inactive
Description	Front Side: Shows a North American bald eagle, sitting on a sword and palm branch. Above this, in a half-circle, is the words "National Defense". Back Side: Shows a shield, like the one from the coat of arms of the United States; it is partly surrounded below by an open wreath, with oak leaves on the right and laurel leaves on the left. Ribbon: The ribbon has a wide yellow stripe in the center. On each side are narrow stripes of red, white, blue, white, and then wide red stripes.
Clasps	Service star for subsequent awards
Statistics
Established	Executive Order 10448, April 22, 1953 (as amended by E.O. 11265, January 11, 1966; E.O. 12776, October 8, 1991; E.O. 13293, March 28, 2003.
Precedence
Next (higher)	Army: Army of Occupation Medal Air Force: Medal for Humane Action Navy: Navy Occupation Service Medal Marine Corps: Navy Occupation Service Medal Coast Guard: Navy Occupation Service Medal
Next (lower)	Korean Service Medal
Related	Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Service ribbon and campaign streamer

The National Defense Service Medal (often called NDSM) is a special award given to members of the United States Armed Forces. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created it in 1953. This medal was given to anyone who served in the U.S. military during certain times of war or national emergency. These periods were from June 27, 1950, to December 31, 2022. You didn't have to fight in a combat zone to receive it.

History of the National Defense Service Medal

The National Defense Service Medal was first meant to be a general award. It recognized service members who served honorably during a "national emergency" or time of conflict. The Secretary of Defense can also decide other times when it should be given.

So far, the NDSM has been awarded for four main periods. These times generally match the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism.

How the NDSM Was Created

President Dwight Eisenhower officially created the NDSM on April 22, 1953. This was done through something called Executive Order 10448. The medal was likely created to honor all service members who served during the Korean War. This included those who didn't go to the actual war zone. (Those who fought in the war zone received the Korean Service Medal.)

At first, only people on active duty could get the NDSM. It also counted for service going back to June 27, 1950, when the Korean War started.

Designing the Medal

The U.S. Army's Heraldic Division helped design the NDSM. T. H. Jones created a design that was chosen by a special committee. This committee included people from all parts of the military.

The medal's design includes an eagle holding a sword and an olive branch on the front. This represents the defense of the United States. The back of the medal shows the shield from the Coat of Arms of the United States. Oak and palm leaves surround the shield. These leaves stand for strength and being ready.

Changes to Who Could Get the Medal

Over time, more people became eligible for the NDSM. This happened through new executive orders in 1966, 1991, and 2003.

For example, in 1966, the medal was extended to cover service after December 31, 1960. This was for times the Secretary of Defense decided deserved special recognition. This period later ended on August 14, 1974.

In 1991, the NDSM was authorized again for service starting August 2, 1990. This was for the Gulf War. It also included members of the Reserve Components (like the National Guard) during this time. This period ended on November 30, 1995.

In 2002, the NDSM was brought back for all active duty personnel. This was for service starting September 11, 2001, for the Global War on Terrorism. In 2003, the rules changed again to include members of the Selected Reserve. These are people who actively train with the reserves, including the National Guard. This change meant that Selected Reserve members from all past periods (Korean and Vietnam eras) could also get the NDSM.

On August 30, 2022, the Secretary of Defense announced that the NDSM would no longer be issued after December 31, 2022.

Importance of the NDSM

The National Defense Service Medal is the oldest service medal given by all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Service medals are different from awards for bravery or good conduct.

Because the NDSM was given to all military personnel during four wartime periods over 43 years, millions of people have received it. This makes it the most widely awarded medal in U.S. military history.

When Was the NDSM Awarded?

The National Defense Service Medal was given to all active duty and Selected Reserve U.S. military personnel. This was true no matter how long they served, and they didn't need to serve overseas or in combat. Here are the time periods:

Who Gets the National Defense Service Medal?

The NDSM is given to anyone who served on active duty or as an active reservist in the U.S. Armed Forces during one of the four specific time periods.

Originally, reserve members only qualified if they were full-time or on active duty for more than 89 days. However, this changed in 2003. Now, actively drilling reservists (called Selected Reserve personnel) from all periods are eligible.

For the Persian Gulf War, Reserve and National Guard members got the NDSM when they were called to active duty. Later, this was expanded to include all members of the Reserve or National Guard who were in good standing in the Selected Reserve during that time.

For the Global War on Terrorism, Selected Reserve and National Guard members just needed to be in good standing. They did not need active duty service.

Cadets and midshipmen at military academies can receive the medal once they are officially sworn in. Officer candidates at Officer Training Schools can also get it. However, people who were discharged or retired and didn't serve during these times don't get it. Also, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets at colleges usually don't get it.

The NDSM is an important medal. It ranks fourth among 29 service medals in terms of importance. There is no minimum time you have to serve to get the medal. Even if someone joins the military for only a few days and then leaves, they are technically allowed to have the NDSM. However, military offices usually don't add it to official records if someone serves less than 90 days. If a veteran's records don't show the medal, they can apply to have it added.

More Awards of the NDSM

If a military member served during more than one of the eligible time periods, they can receive additional awards of the NDSM. Each extra award is shown by a small bronze service star on the medal's ribbon. You don't get a second award just for re-enlisting during the same time period or switching military branches.

For example, if someone served during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, they would get a second award. The U.S. Army used an oak leaf cluster for this, while other branches used a service star.

It's rare for someone to receive three NDSMs. This would mean serving for at least 27 years (from 1974 to 2001) or 36 years (from 1954 to 1990). Someone who earned all four NDSMs would have had a military career lasting over 47 years!

NDSM ribbons with 3⁄16 inch bronze stars

First award: service ribbon only

Second award: one 3⁄16-inch bronze star

Third award: two 3⁄16-inch bronze stars

Fourth award: three 3⁄16-inch bronze stars

See also

In Spanish: Medalla de Servicio en la Defensa Nacional para niños

• American Defense Service Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Korean Service Medal
• Southwest Asia Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal