National Defense Service Medal

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Here is the criteria for the National Defense Service Medal. Called "The firewatch medal" by Vietnam era veterans, "The pizza stain" by Desert Storm era veterans.

One of the most common medals seen on Marines (and military members, period), since it merely requires graduation of recruit training and/or time on active duty.

All award criteria listed are from the Department of the Navy's Website, which has not been updated in some cases.

http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/index.html

But...because I'm a nice guy (LOL) I'll post them, as well as medal pics. Makes it easier on everyone.

Here is the criteria:

*******
The National Defense Service Medal will be awarded to all persons in the Naval service who served on active duty at any time between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954. All personnel serving on active duty during the above period are eligible for this award with the exception of reserve personnel on active duty for training, reserve personnel on short tours of active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions, etc., and any persons ordered to active duty who, on physical examination incident thereto, are disqualified and immediately released from active duty. (Executive Order No. 10448 of 22 April 1953 and Department of Defense Directive 1348.7 of 15 July 1953.)


Designed by the Army's Institute of Heraldry in Cameron Station, Va., the first medals were issued during the Korean War era and note active federal service performed as part of normal extended duty between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954, both dates inclusive.

The next period of eligibility coincided with that of the Vietnam War, with duty between 01 Jan. 1961 and 14 Aug. 1974 being the criteria for the award, both dates inclusive. This amended period of eligibility was established by Executive Order 11265 of 11 January 1966.

The next period of award encompasses Southwest Asia service, with eligibility beginning 02 Aug. 1990, based on Executive Order 12776 from President George Bush on 18 October 1991. The terminal eligibility date for this period later was set as 30 Nov. 1995. The final period of award eligibility encompasses the War on Terror, with eligibility beginning 11 September 2001 and not yet ended. The NDSM was reinstated by memorandum from The Deputy Secretary of Defense, dated 26 April 2002, from 11 September 2001 to a termination date to be determined in the future.
****
Miscellenous facts:

Interestingly, because of the expanded role of military reservists in "Desert Shield" and "Desert Storm," President Bush's executive order extended the medal's award to those drilling members of the Selected Reserve.

Sailors and Marines with active duty in two or more of the periods wear a small bronze service star on the ribbon for each additional eligibility period.

Any member of the Naval Reserve who, after 31 December 1960, becomes eligible for the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/afem.htm) or the Vietnam Service Medal (http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/vsn.htm), is also eligible for award of the National Defense Service Medal.*****

Eligibility, General:

For the purpose of the award, the following persons will NOT be considered as performing active service:
(1) Guard and Reserve forces personnel on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.
(2) Any person on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.
(3) Any person on temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations or on active duty for purposes other than extended active duty.

(4) A one time only exception, for members of the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve, who were part of the selected reserve in good standing, was authorized, per executive orders 12778, dated 18 October 1991, for the period 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995.

b. The National Defense Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Reserve Components who are ordered to Federal active duty, regardless of duration, except for the categories listed above.

c. To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a bronze service star will be worn on the service ribbon by those so qualified. Second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for those who served in one or more of the four qualifying time periods. It is not authorized for those who met the criteria in one time period, left active duty and returned during the same period of eligibility.
d. Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.
e. The NDSM may be issued posthumously.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

http://www.homeofheroes.com/medals/images_wh/wh_24.jpg

[davblay]

So, from the way I read this, a reservist who only goes to boot camp and SOI/MCT and school, is not qualified for the NDSM unless/until their unit is deployed or put on active duty status? But should/would not get one out of Boot camp? That's the way is was in my day, during the Nam years! I am just trying to get this straight in my old head.

I am sure we have some actve reserve members on the site, will someone please clear this up for me?

Thanks, and Semper Fi,

Dave

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Dave;

Technically you are correct, the NDSM shouldn't be awarded to reservists only on AcDu for 'training'. But, I'll bet you that it's awarded to everyone who goes to recruit training upon graduation, as 'common practice'.

The GWOTSM rules seem to be followed pretty strictly from what I can tell.

[davblay]

The reason I brought that up is because during our final inspection, and graduation, the reservist stood out like a turd in a punchbowl, because they only had a shooting badge! I checked my Boot Camp Book to be sure.

Thanks for the clarification,

Dave

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Dave:

Nice to see confirmation that it was, in fact, done that way.

I think we need to hear from a current reservist to find out if it still is, or not. I've seen current Air Guardsmen, with no deployment or other active duty time, wearing the NDSM.

[davblay]

I PM'd Isrowie and asked him if they issue them on the island as well. Just waiting for his reply. I'll let you know what he says.

Dave

[davblay]

I sent you a PM Sgt Lep!

Dave

[Isrowei]

Reservest are awarded the NDSM at recruit training because they are considered on active duty until the completion of SOI/MCT and they check into their reserve unit properly. At that point, they beign their "reserve" time. All the time before that is active duty.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Ah ha! Now that makes some sense. Obviously the rules have changed since the last time the NDSM was awarded.

Thanks for clearing that one up Lt.

[1stbn Old Man]

I just graduated from PISC and all new marines got awarded the NDSM

[Sgt Leprechaun]

To answer the question: "Why do they call it 'the pizza stain'?"

Because the ribbon of the medal when worn on the uniform has a distinctive coloring. When it's the only ribbon worn it looks kinda like that.

[Native Warrior]

What surprises me is that those of us that served in Lebanon and Grenada were awarded the Combat Action ribbon along with combat pay, but are not authorized the NDSM. Seems that since it was called a Peacekeeping mission that period of service is often overlooked. Any thoughts?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Honestly, I'm not sure. The NDSM was originally done for the Korean callup (lots of WWII vets brought back and civilians drafted). It was brought back again for Vietnam, but pretty much languished until the Gulf war. Dropped again, it came back after 9/11. And, I'm thinkin that the 'powers that be' probably wouldn't have brought it back if they would have had foresight enough to realize that the GWOTSM/GWOTEM were going to come around.

While that doesn't really answer your question, perhaps in a roundabout way it does. Neither Lebanon nor Grenada were considered "National" emergencies. Most folks, even Marines, on active duty at the time, didn't see service in either of those places, yours truly among them. Since the NDSM is sort of a 'blanket' award, perhaps that is the reason why.

Oh, and those who did "Just Cause" in Panama in 1989 didn't get it, either. So don't feel too bad.

Thanks for your service, BTW.

[Native Warrior]

It's not that I need another item on my salad bar, it just irks me that the MC is handing out ribbons now almost as easy as the other branches, when for so long it was tough to get anything other than GCM. I remember getting back from Lebanon and Grenada with 9 ribbons and having E-7 and up *****ing about it and asking for proof that I was entitled to them. Now seems like anyone with a year or more of service is wearing a full service salad buffet.

Besides, as a Marine we don't need ribbons or medals to validate our worth and purpose to America, its people or to the world. We get that validation in our daily life both internal and externally.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I do happen to agree with you. When I got out the first time in 1989, I had 4 ribbons (and one of them was from the Air Force!) after 2 WestPac's and multiple other deployments.

After doing just one teeney little "med" float that happened to involve an embassy evac and Kosovo, I think we got something like 5 medals and ribbons just for that. I had young Marines who went out on that float 'slick' chested who came back with: JMUC, NUC, Humanitarian Service, & SSDR, and then a year later comes the KCM and NATO medal and another NUC. That's seven total awards for one float! Those who got end of tour NAM's or GCM's at the normal time looked like freakin war heroes!

I understand exactly what you are saying though.

[SGT7477]

It's not that I need another item on my salad bar, it just irks me that the MC is handing out ribbons now almost as easy as the other branches, when for so long it was tough to get anything other than GCM. I remember getting back from Lebanon and Grenada with 9 ribbons and having E-7 and up *****ing about it and asking for proof that I was entitled to them. Now seems like anyone with a year or more of service is wearing a full service salad buffet.

Besides, as a Marine we don't need ribbons or medals to validate our worth and purpose to America, its people or to the world. We get that validation in our daily life both internal and externally.
You got that right ribbons don't make the warrior.:flag:

[Dan Berkery]

I just checked my "DD-214" for Decorations ......

It says ... "Good Conduct Medal, 1st. Award" ... "Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal" ... "National Defense Service Medal".

It didn't say anything about the "Vietnam Service Medal" although I was in Nam during 1965.

I did a search and found this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Expeditionary_Medal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Expeditionary_Medal)

[bucksgted]

Sgt. Lep, you can call it the fire watch ribbon, pogey bait ribbon or what ever, but please note the end date of 1954 and restart date of 1961. Those years in between are excluded for the NDSM unless one is eligible for the AFEM. I just discovered a few weeks back that in 1961, Pres. Kennedy signed the authorization for the AFEM for Taiwan Strait involvement covering 23 AUG 1958 to 01 JAN 1959. I am in the process of attempting to get my records fixed so that I can "officially wear" the NDSM and the AFEM. My travel arrangements to Taiwan in Aug '58 were courtesy of Pres. Ike. Our rules of engagement tied our hands, so if they ran, all we could do was chase the b-terds back across the border for our ROC brothers.

[egbutler1]

I think i got a fare amount for what i did in the corps and one CerCom for actions in Combat, thats bout it so i'm not stacked but thats pretty standerd for an 0311 these days.

1 CAR
1 GWOTSM
1 GC
1 OIF
2 SDSea
1 NDSR

[GeeTee]

Hey Marines!

I wanted to check out some stuff relative to this "Firewatch Medal" I was awarded for not getting thrown out for my first 180 days in the Corps. My current employer is well meaning but would not know the difference between a National Defense Medal and an American Defence Medal or even a China Service Medal! (You know how it goes with civilians so I don't need to tell you.)

Thank you, Sgt Leprechaun for starting and maintaining the topic!

If anyone needs anything, "Gray Up!" has a habit of working. At the moment, I am short on Pogey Bait but not too bad on ammo!

Gung Ho!!!

:thumbup:

[Moules]

It amazes me how easily the other services give out ribbons and medals, My best friend joined the Air Force and went to BMT at the same time I joined the Marine Corps and left for recruit training, He graduated boot camp with four ribbons on his chest. I remember getting pictures mailed to me of his graduation then looking at some of the Drill Instructors and some had four and then a few had three. It amazes me the readiness to hand out something that should be sacred and revered in the United States military service.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

It's been a common complaint from Marines since at least the 1980's.

Look at it this way, you'll EARN your ribbons and medals through every drop of sweat, strain, blood and tears. You may not have many of them, but you'll damn well know what they are for.

[regal1975]

I am trying to figure out why MOL has said for years that I rate 2 ndsm's... I joined in jan 2003.... Ive never worn a star with it, but it does say I rate it...Must be a typo...

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Quite likely, yeah. It happens. You can check with your admin section to try and get it fixed.

[0231Marine]

Yes, it was likely a typo.

Now a days, with the frequent deployments of some units, it's not uncommon to see some Marines like myself with quite a few ribbons and medals after doing numerous consecutive tours to hostile areas.

[joecoul89]

I just recently graduated boot camp from PI and on graduation day, after the ceremony, the people in the clothing store sold all the new Marines the NDSM to go with the ribbon. They said it was awarded to anyone who joined the military service in a time of war now. Since we are still in wars with Iraq and Afghanistan, everyone pretty much gets it now...

[itzs4m]

correct.

[SGT7477]

I just recently graduated boot camp from PI and on graduation day, after the ceremony, the people in the clothing store sold all the new Marines the NDSM to go with the ribbon. They said it was awarded to anyone who joined the military service in a time of war now. Since we are still in wars with Iraq and Afghanistan, everyone pretty much gets it now...

When we were awarded that ribbon we got the medal with it.:evilgrin:

[FistFu68]

:usmc: EARNING THE EAGLE,GLOBE AND ANCHOR SPEAKS 4ITSELF.PLUS MEDALS DON'T FEED THE BULLDOG :usmc: :iwo:

[seagoingbellhop]

Yeah, now they give out ribbons for sea service, overseas service, next they'll be giving them out for boot camp like the Air Force does. I served 4 yrs and 3 mos during and after the Korean war with two years overseas and all I came back with was a good conduct medal and a National Defense. We had two big flaps during that period but no actual combat with my unit. C'est la Vie!

[PaidinBlood]

I think i got a fare amount for what i did in the corps and one CerCom for actions in Combat, thats bout it so i'm not stacked but thats pretty standerd for an 0311 these days.

1 CAR
1 GWOTSM
1 GC
1 OIF
2 SDSea
1 NDSR


Cpl Butler is 100% right-this is a pretty standard package, barring Purple Hearts (God willing) and NAM/NavyComs. Why is everyone so mad? Is it like generations past? Guess not. At least I can tell you each and every award I rate and when I rated it. And at least we don't have the Army's gay ass rainbow ribbon

http://www.marksmedals.com/us_medals_files/ribbons/army_service_ribbon.JPG

[nvusmcsgt]

I only have the four myself. Good Conduct W/1 star, NDSM, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon W/1 star. I was in the Air Wing and did two separate West Pacs'. I do remember on my second West Pac we rated a Marine Corps Expeditionary medal but they told us if we already have the Armed Forces Ex. we did not rate it. I thought that was a bit funny because it is two separate awards. Oh well I never really looked into it.

[oifvet23]

I did pretty good for my four yrs, I have 11

[oifvet23]

I did pretty good for my four yrs, I have 11


NAM, NUC, MUC, GCON, NATD, AFEM, IFM, GWOTE, GWOTS, AFSM, SSD :beer:

[Sgt Leprechaun]

You guys see what I have, but that's for service in 3 different branches since 1982. (Minus the gay rainbow ribbon and army NCO school, and Air Force 'longevity' ribbon, which they use instead of service stripes) I can well understand the Pre-Vietnam Marines looking at all of us since then with a ton of ribbons and just shaking their heads. Guys who had serious combat time in WWII in muliple island campaigns came home with, usually 3 ribbons; Asiatic Pacific Campaign, American Campain (for stateside service) and the WWII victory medal. Now, some also got the PUC and NUC, but that was usually about it.

The army didn't do much else, either, usually just the European Campaign, and the same last two.

Korean war vets normally came back with at least 3 ribbons, National Defense, Korean War Service, and UN Service.

Those who served 'between the wars' didn't get much in the way of ribbons and medals. Just the way it was.

[SoapO]

Would someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Marines in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal ? For example, if you were discharged from active duty on August 1, 1990 but yet you IRR obligation wasn't fulfilled until August 1, 1994 you'd qualify for the NSDM ? From everything I've read it looks like you would be, as the IRR is included in the Selected Reserve Category.


National Defense Service Medal

Eligibility Dates

Honorable Service -- Active and Selected Reserve Duty:

June 27, 1950 through July 27, 1954
January 1, 1961 through August 14, 1974
August 2, 1990, through November 30, 1995
September 11, 2001 -- no closing date at this time


Definition of Selected Reserve

Four major categories of resources are Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, Retired Reserve and Retired Regular

a. Ready Reserves: Consists of Selected Reserve and members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

(1) Selected Reserves: Units and Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA's) of the Ready Reserve. Have priority for training and equipment. All Selected Reservists are in an active status.

(a) Guard/Reserve Units. Units manned and equipped to serve and/or train either as operational or as augmentation units.

(b) Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA): An Air Force Ready Reservist assigned to a specific position within the active force which the reservist would assume upon mobilization or call- up.

(2) Individual Ready Reserve (IRR): Members of the Ready Reserve

who are not assigned to the Selected Reserve and who are not on active duty. It is a manpower pool principally consisting of individuals who have had training and who have served previously in the active component

or in the Selected Reserve and have some period of their military service obligation remaining. In addition there are some individuals in the IRR voluntarily, for hardship or in special non-pay programs that provide a variety of professional assignments and opportunities to earn retirement points and military benefits.

(a) Trained individuals- Members of the IRR who are judged to be trained and available for mobilization. Includes those members leaving active duty or transferred from the Selected Reserve within 1 Year.

(b) Untrained Individuals- Members of the IRR who are not locatable and any other member whose status is not known or whose mobilization probability is uncertain.

(c) In Training- also includes personnel who are participating in officer training programs or in the Armed Forces Health Scholarship program.

b. Standby Reserve: May only be ordered to active duty involuntarily in time of war or national emergency declared by Congress. It consists of personnel who maintain their military affiliation with being in the Ready Reserve, who have been designated key civilian employees or who have a temporary hardship or disability. These individuals are not required to perform training and are not part of units. They would generally be mobilized to fill manpower needs in specific skills.

[GeeTee]

Howdy, Marine!

My knowlege is a bit rusty and goes back to Parris Island in 1969. I was told that Marines who served on active duty for 180 days or more were eligible. 180 days was a magic number for a lot of things. Back in that period, Marine reservists went through the necessary Recruit Training, ITR, MOS schooling, etc. This would take longer than 180 days so these reservists were eligible for the National Defense Medal.

I hope that helps.
Semper-Fi

[Camper51]

When I went through boot camp it was 90 days for eligibility for the firewatch ribbon. I got out after 8 years 3 months and 21 days wearing the firewatch ribbon and the Good Conduct medal (2nd award) My NUC was awarded to a unit I was in after I left it but I happened to be there during the period of eligibility and only found out about the award when I requested my service records a few years ago....

[GeeTee]

@Camper51

Well Marine, it appears there is life to this thread!

I cannot say Aye or Nay to your 90 day rule, but SoapO now has two good tidbits to chew on!

I did not call it a Firewatch Medal in this thread. That is what we called it, however, back in the '60s. I did not want to sound like I was belittling it!

My father was awarded the American Defense Medal for his service in the US Coast Guard (North Africa, Sicilly, Normandy) during WWII and then the National Defense medal for his service in the US Navy during the Korean War.

My uncle was awarded the American Defense Medal for his service in the US Army in WWII. (Guadalcanal, Phillipines).

We may call this the "Firewatch Medal". Certainly it means less than an award for valor. Yet this award means something!

During the 1960s, people could avoid this award.
1. They could come up "Sick, Lame, or Lazy"!
2. They could say they "wet the bed"!
3. They could say they "Liked" people of the same sex (Worked for Van Johnson in WWII).
4. They could go to another country for the duration.

For the rest of us, we showed up when we were supposed to! I don't know about you but I "Beat the Draft" by enlisting.

While the "National Defense Medal" may seem like a lowly award, most of our "Fellow Americans" do not qualify for it. Those of you who qualify for it are special!

Never forget that!

Gung-Ho!

[Sgt Leprechaun]

You need to fill out your profile.

[AgentQ70]

It's not that I need another item on my salad bar, it just irks me that the MC is handing out ribbons now almost as easy as the other branches, when for so long it was tough to get anything other than GCM. I remember getting back from Lebanon and Grenada with 9 ribbons and having E-7 and up *****ing about it and asking for proof that I was entitled to them. Now seems like anyone with a year or more of service is wearing a full service salad buffet.

Besides, as a Marine we don't need ribbons or medals to validate our worth and purpose to America, its people or to the world. We get that validation in our daily life both internal and externally.

I will agree with you, it does seem as if the MC is just giving them away, I still think the army tops the cake for giving out ribbons/medals. an e-3 with 2 years in had around 8 for a single deployment that just doesn't seem right to me.

[390 Mach I]

Would someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Marines in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal ? For example, if you were discharged from active duty on August 1, 1990 but yet you IRR obligation wasn't fulfilled until August 1, 1994 you'd qualify for the NSDM ? From everything I've read it looks like you would be, as the IRR is included in the Selected Reserve Category.


National Defense Service Medal

Eligibility Dates

Honorable Service -- Active and Selected Reserve Duty:

June 27, 1950 through July 27, 1954
January 1, 1961 through August 14, 1974
August 2, 1990, through November 30, 1995
September 11, 2001 -- no closing date at this time


Definition of Selected Reserve

Four major categories of resources are Ready Reserve, Standby Reserve, Retired Reserve and Retired Regular

a. Ready Reserves: Consists of Selected Reserve and members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

(1) Selected Reserves: Units and Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA's) of the Ready Reserve. Have priority for training and equipment. All Selected Reservists are in an active status.

(a) Guard/Reserve Units. Units manned and equipped to serve and/or train either as operational or as augmentation units.

(b) Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA): An Air Force Ready Reservist assigned to a specific position within the active force which the reservist would assume upon mobilization or call- up.

(2) Individual Ready Reserve (IRR): Members of the Ready Reserve

who are not assigned to the Selected Reserve and who are not on active duty. It is a manpower pool principally consisting of individuals who have had training and who have served previously in the active component

or in the Selected Reserve and have some period of their military service obligation remaining. In addition there are some individuals in the IRR voluntarily, for hardship or in special non-pay programs that provide a variety of professional assignments and opportunities to earn retirement points and military benefits.

(a) Trained individuals- Members of the IRR who are judged to be trained and available for mobilization. Includes those members leaving active duty or transferred from the Selected Reserve within 1 Year.

(b) Untrained Individuals- Members of the IRR who are not locatable and any other member whose status is not known or whose mobilization probability is uncertain.

(c) In Training- also includes personnel who are participating in officer training programs or in the Armed Forces Health Scholarship program.

b. Standby Reserve: May only be ordered to active duty involuntarily in time of war or national emergency declared by Congress. It consists of personnel who maintain their military affiliation with being in the Ready Reserve, who have been designated key civilian employees or who have a temporary hardship or disability. These individuals are not required to perform training and are not part of units. They would generally be mobilized to fill manpower needs in specific skills.


So, If I read this right, I would be eligible for this as well...
Interesting.

[William Hardy]

I had my NDM status checked before I left the Army National Guard for retirement. I rated the first one because I served during the Vietnam War era. I rated the second one because my Gurad unit was activted, but we stood down before being sent to Desert Storm. I rated the third one because I was activated for 18 months to do a tour in Iraq. So my retirement DD214 has NDSM (3). After 41 years, I'll wear it with 2 stars.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

THAT is cool. Not too many of you folks around to be sure.

[echo3oscar1833]

I had my NDM status checked before I left the Army National Guard for retirement. I rated the first one because I served during the Vietnam War era. I rated the second one because my Gurad unit was activted, but we stood down before being sent to Desert Storm. I rated the third one because I was activated for 18 months to do a tour in Iraq. So my retirement DD214 has NDSM (3). After 41 years, I'll wear it with 2 stars.


I know this thread is a sticky and old, but I just wanted to tip my hat to you Gunny, Semper Fi Brother:beer:

[nightstalker2]

yes why question ribbons unless you're the ribbon police. I served from 1978 to 1993 and I was awarded ribbon I have'nt received to this day. So can someone tell me who can help or assist in getting me what I deserved. Beside a hard time I served with honor too.

[William Hardy]

Go to

Marine CorpsWhere to write for medalsNavy Personnel Command
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100Where medals are mailed fromNavy Personnel Command
Liaison Office Room 5409
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100Where to write in case of a problem
or an appealCommandant of the Marine Corps
Military Awards Branch (MMMA)
3280 Russell Road
Quantico VA 22134-5100

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/replacement-medals.html#marine

The information you need is there.

[telly141]

i was in us army in march 2007 and get out dec 2007. My dd214 have national defense service medal... and now i received other from usmc. Can you explain what means: "left active duty and returned during the same period of eligibility." and if can i meet all requeriments?











Here is the criteria for the National Defense Service Medal. Called "The firewatch medal" by Vietnam era veterans, "The pizza stain" by Desert Storm era veterans.

One of the most common medals seen on Marines (and military members, period), since it merely requires graduation of recruit training and/or time on active duty.

All award criteria listed are from the Department of the Navy's Website, which has not been updated in some cases.

http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/index.html

But...because I'm a nice guy (LOL) I'll post them, as well as medal pics. Makes it easier on everyone.

Here is the criteria:

*******
The National Defense Service Medal will be awarded to all persons in the Naval service who served on active duty at any time between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954. All personnel serving on active duty during the above period are eligible for this award with the exception of reserve personnel on active duty for training, reserve personnel on short tours of active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions, etc., and any persons ordered to active duty who, on physical examination incident thereto, are disqualified and immediately released from active duty. (Executive Order No. 10448 of 22 April 1953 and Department of Defense Directive 1348.7 of 15 July 1953.)


Designed by the Army's Institute of Heraldry in Cameron Station, Va., the first medals were issued during the Korean War era and note active federal service performed as part of normal extended duty between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954, both dates inclusive.

The next period of eligibility coincided with that of the Vietnam War, with duty between 01 Jan. 1961 and 14 Aug. 1974 being the criteria for the award, both dates inclusive. This amended period of eligibility was established by Executive Order 11265 of 11 January 1966.

The next period of award encompasses Southwest Asia service, with eligibility beginning 02 Aug. 1990, based on Executive Order 12776 from President George Bush on 18 October 1991. The terminal eligibility date for this period later was set as 30 Nov. 1995. The final period of award eligibility encompasses the War on Terror, with eligibility beginning 11 September 2001 and not yet ended. The NDSM was reinstated by memorandum from The Deputy Secretary of Defense, dated 26 April 2002, from 11 September 2001 to a termination date to be determined in the future.
****
Miscellenous facts:

Interestingly, because of the expanded role of military reservists in "Desert Shield" and "Desert Storm," President Bush's executive order extended the medal's award to those drilling members of the Selected Reserve.

Sailors and Marines with active duty in two or more of the periods wear a small bronze service star on the ribbon for each additional eligibility period.

Any member of the Naval Reserve who, after 31 December 1960, becomes eligible for the award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/afem.htm) or the Vietnam Service Medal (http://www.history.navy.mil/medals/vsn.htm), is also eligible for award of the National Defense Service Medal.*****

Eligibility, General:

For the purpose of the award, the following persons will NOT be considered as performing active service:
(1) Guard and Reserve forces personnel on short tours of duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program.
(2) Any person on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination.
(3) Any person on temporary active duty to serve on boards, courts, commissions and like organizations or on active duty for purposes other than extended active duty.

(4) A one time only exception, for members of the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve, who were part of the selected reserve in good standing, was authorized, per executive orders 12778, dated 18 October 1991, for the period 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995.

b. The National Defense Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Reserve Components who are ordered to Federal active duty, regardless of duration, except for the categories listed above.

c. To signify receipt of a second or subsequent award of the NDSM, a bronze service star will be worn on the service ribbon by those so qualified. Second or third award of the NDSM is authorized for those who served in one or more of the four qualifying time periods. It is not authorized for those who met the criteria in one time period, left active duty and returned during the same period of eligibility.
d. Cadets of the U.S. Military Academy are eligible for the NDSM, during any of the inclusive periods listed above, upon completion of the swearing-in ceremonies as a cadet.
e. The NDSM may be issued posthumously.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I have difficulty understanding your question (due in part to horrible grammar and disjointed sentences).

You say you served in the Army for enough time to get the NDSM. Now you are a Marine. You do not rate another NDSM for serving again, the eligibility period is a 'one time only' shot no matter how many branches you serve in.

Not trying to be difficult but your question is hard to understand.

[William Hardy]

The quick answer is simple
There are 3 recent times of eligibility for current members
1. Vietnam Era
2. Desert Storm
3. Current War on Terror (Iraq & Afghan.)

I am assuming that you only rate 1 NDM because you served in two branches during one time of national emergency...The current War on Terror.

For the "way older vets" they may over lap WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Being an "older vet", I overlap Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraq. Some of the younger ones rate two awards since they overlap Desert Storm and the War on Terror. Some like yourself rate just the one because you have served during the War on Terror. The number of services you have been enlisted in has no bearing on the number of NDM you get, just times of national emergency.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Thanks, Gunny. (I rate a star on my NDSM for that reason).

[BigAlHolmes165]

I have difficulty understanding your question (due in part to horrible grammar and disjointed sentences).

You say you served in the Army for enough time to get the NDSM. Now you are a Marine. You do not rate another NDSM for serving again, the eligibility period is a 'one time only' shot no matter how many branches you serve in.

Not trying to be difficult but your question is hard to understand.

... and he is in Administration. Go figure.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Is it just ME? Am I being a 'grammar Nazi'??

[BigAlHolmes165]

Is it just ME? Am I being a 'grammar Nazi'??Nope, but allowing this **** to continue, or allowing posters to post, AND get answers, or whatever, without a proper profile, will only encourage them.:evilgrin:

[Sgt Leprechaun]

True. I try not to be an azzhole out of the chute, cause I hate that crap for the most part when I'm new on a site...but still....dammmmit, rules are rules....

[doc h fmf]

Not That It Matter , But Iwas Active Duty During Desert Sheild/storm. I Know This Is Stupid Question But Would You Wear A Star With The Ribbon Probly Not.

[William Hardy]

Doc - you get a NDSM for serving during Desert Shield/Storm. No star unless you were also in during the War on Terror. The dates are listed in the earlier post on this page.