Medal Brief History

The National Defense Service Medal honors United States military members who carried out honorable service during designated conflicts.

- The Korean War, 27 Jun 1950 thru 27 July 27 1954
- The Vietnam War, 1 Jan 1961 thru 14 Aug 1974
- The Persian Gulf War, 2 Aug 1990 thru 30 Nov 1995
     + Operations Desert Shield
     + Desert Storm
- Counterterror service on or after 11 Sep 2001