National Defense Service Medal awarded for Operation Just Cause?
National Defense Service Medal awarded for Operation Just Cause?
One of our customers had a question about the award of the National Defense Service Medal for Operation Just Cause.
We checked our sources for award of the National Defense Service Medal, although Operation Just Cause is not named as a specific operation, it is named in subsequent research along with the 4 main periods of major conflict.
Here is what we found:
National Defense Service Medal awarded for Operation Just Cause?
Yes, the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was awarded for Operation Just Cause:
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Period of authorizationThe NDSM was authorized for Operation Just Cause, which took place from December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990.
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Medal designThe NDSM features an American bald eagle perched on a sword and palm on the obverse, and a shield with an oak leaf and laurel spray on the reverse.
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RibbonThe NDSM ribbon has been authorized for other periods, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.
The NDSM was intended to honor those who served knowing they might be sent into combat. However, the authorization to award the NDSM to active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces serving on or after September 11, 2001 was terminated on December 31, 2022.
Other Combat Awards made during this conflict:
Combat Infantryman Badge
Combat Medic Badge
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Also:
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) with the arrowhead device can be awarded for participation in Operation Just Cause:
AFEM
The AFEM is awarded to members of the US armed forces who participate in a US military operation and encounter foreign armed opposition or are in danger of hostile action. The medal was established in 1961 and can be awarded for many military operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and Operation Just Cause.
AFEM
The AFEM is awarded to members of the US armed forces who participate in a US military operation and encounter foreign armed opposition or are in danger of hostile action. The medal was established in 1961 and can be awarded for many military operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and Operation Just Cause.
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Awards are based on individual service records.
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