Philippine Defense Medal

Service award

For combat service in the defense of the Philippines, Dec. 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942.

Check your eligibility and build your ribbon rack

How you get it

You earn this by meeting the requirements. No recommendation is needed. If it's missing from your record, current members can have their MPF add it. Veterans can request it from AFPC with a Standard Form 180 and supporting documents.

You qualify if any of these apply

Member of the Bataan or Manila Bay forces, or of a unit, ship, or airplane under enemy attack
Assigned or stationed in Philippine waters for at least 30 calendar days during the period

Quick facts

Category: Foreign and international
Type: Service award
Authorized devices: Service Star
WAPS points: 0
Position in the AFPC listing: 73 of 91 (listed in order of precedence)

Full AFPC fact sheet text

Background

The Philippine Defense Medal is awarded for combat service in the defense of the Philippines from Dec. 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942.

Criteria

If the person was a member of the Bataan or Manila Bay forces or of a unit, ship, or airplane under enemy attack; or assigned or stationed in Philippine waters for at least 30 calendar days during this period then they are eligible for the Philippine Defense Medal. A person who meets both conditions above is authorized to wear a bronze service star on the ribbon.

Ribbon description

It is a red ribbon divided by wide white bands and centering three white stars that form a triangle. The single star is worn uppermost.

Authorized device

Service Star

Source: Philippine Defense Medal fact sheet, Air Force's Personnel Center