Korean Service Medal

Background

The Korean Service Medal was established by President Truman per Executive Order 10179, dated Nov. 8, 1950, and announced in DA Bulletin 21, 1950. The design, created by Mr. Thomas J. Jones, uses the symbols associated with Korea to reflect service in that country.

There were 10 campaigns designated for the Korean War and displayed as streamers on the Army flag. The campaign streamers are of the same design as the suspension ribbon for the metal. A bronze star is worn on the ribbon to indicate individual participation for each campaign. The inscriptions on the Army flag streamers are:

-UN Defensive June 27 – Sept. 15, 1950

-UN Offensive Sept. 16 – Nov. 2, 1950

-CCF Intervention Nov. 3, 1950 – Jan. 24, 1951

-First UN Counteroffensive Jan. 25 – April 21, 1951

-CCF Spring Offensive April 22 – July 8, 1951

-UN Summer-Fall Offensive July 9 – Nov. 27, 1951

-Second Korean Winter Nov. 28, 1951 – April 30, 1952

-Korean, Summer-Fall May 1 – Nov. 30 1952

-Third Korean Winter Dec. 1, 1952 – April 30, 1953

-Korean, Summer May 1 – July 27, 1953

Criteria

The Korean Service Medal was awarded for service between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954 under and of the following conditions:

-Within the territorial limits of Korea in waters immediately adjacent thereto: or

-With a unit under the operational control of the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, other than those units within the territorial limits of Korea, which has been designated by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, as having directly supported the military efforts in Korea; or

-Was furnished an individual certificate by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, testifying to material contribution made in direct support of the military efforts in Korea

Medal description

On a bronze medal, 1 inch in diameter, a Korean gateway, encircled by the inscription Korean Service. On the reverse is the Korean symbol taken from the center of the Korean National flag with the inscription: “United States Of America,” and a spray of oak and laurel encircling the design.

Ribbon description

The ribbon is 1 1/4 inches wide and consisting of the following stripes: 1/32 inch white 67101; 19/32 inch bluebird 67117; center 1/8 inch white; 19/32 inch bluebird; and 1/32 inch white.

Authorized devices

A bronze or silver service star will be worn for approved campaigns. One bronze campaign star shall be worn for each campaign served. A silver campaign star will be worn instead of five bronze stars.