1. Description: On a bronze medal, 1 ¼ inches 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.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 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.
3. Criteria: The Korean Service Medal was awarded for service between 27
June 1950 and 27 July 1954 under and of the following conditions:
a. Within the territorial limits of Korea in waters immediately
adjacent thereto: or
b. 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
c. 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.
4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/223. NSN
8455-00-269-5771 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature): MIL-DTL-3946/223. Available
commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/78. NSN 8455-00-264-1478.
d. Streamers for units receiving campaign credit -
manual requisition in accordance with AR 840-10. The inscription will be as shown on the
unit's lineage and honors.
5. Background: a. The Korean Service Medal was established by President Truman
per Executive Order 10179, dated 8 November 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.
b. There were ten 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 27 Jun - 15 Sep 50
- UN Offensive 16 Sep - 2 Nov 50
- CCF Intervention 3 Nov 50 - 24 Jan 51
- First UN Counteroffensive 25 Jan - 21 Apr 51
- CCF Spring Offensive 22 Apr - 8 Jul 51
- UN Summer-Fall Offensive 9 Jul - 27 Nov 51
- Second Korean Winter 28 Nov 51 - 30 Apr 52
- Korean, Summer-Fall 1952 1 May - 30 Nov 52
- Third Korean Winter 1 Dec 52 - 30 Apr 53
- Korean, Summer 1953 1 May - 27 Jul 53
c. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to
Army personnel is contained in AR 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply
of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. Policy for display of campaign streamers on
guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, AR 840-10.
