What does a clasp mean on a medal?
A medal was given for service, with a clasp for each battle fought. The first battle the recipient participated in would be engraved on the medal itself. If the recipient had participated in multiple engagements, silver bars bearing the name of each additional battle were attached to the medal’s ribbon.
Is the National Defense Service Medal the same as the American Defense Service Medal?
The National Defense Service Medal is jokingly referred to as a participation medal because it is awarded for honorable active duty service. Although it may be the butt of a joke, the National Defense Service Medal is an important medal awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What is the Defense medal ribbon?
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is a decoration presented to recognize all military members who have served in active duty during a declared “national emergency”.
How do you get the American Defense Ribbon?
(1) The American Defense Service Medal will be awarded to all persons in the naval service who served on active duty at any time between 8 September 1939 and 7 December 1941, both dates inclusive. (2) Naval Reserve personnel on training duty under orders must have served at least 10 days in such duty.
Is the National Defense Service Medal a campaign medal?
The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was first intended to be a “blanket campaign medal” awarded to service members who served honorably during a designated time period of which a “national emergency” had been declared during a time of war or conflict.
What devices are authorized with the American Defense Service Medal?
The American Defense Service Medal was authorized with the following devices: Foreign Service Clasp: Issued by the United States Army for military service outside the continental limits of the United States, including service in Alaska. The foreign service clasp is a bronze bar 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) in width and 1
What is a USMC base clasp?
Base Clasp: Issued by the U.S. Navy and United States Marine Corps for service outside the continental limits of the United States (service in either Alaska or Hawaii qualified).
When was the American Defense Service Medal established?
The American Defense Service Medal was established by Executive Order 8808, on 28 June 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941. The criteria for the medal was announced in Department of the Army Circular 44, on 13 February 1942.
What is a Foreign Service Clasp for the military?
Foreign Service Clasp: Issued by the United States Army for military service outside the continental limits of the United States, including service in Alaska. The foreign service clasp is a bronze bar 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) in width and 1 1⁄2 in (38 mm) in length with the words FOREIGN SERVICE, with a star at each end of the inscription.