§ 578.33 - Korea Defense Service Medal.

(a) Eligibility Requirements. The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) was authorized by Section 543, 2003 National Defense Authorization Act. It is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who have served on active duty in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea from July 28, 1954 to a date to be determined.

(1) The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas.

(2) The KDSM period of eligibility is July 28, 1954, to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense.

(b) Specific. Service members must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive or for 60 nonconsecutive days, or meet the following criteria:

(1) Be engaged in combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the area of eligibility.

(2) Is wounded or injured in the line of duty and requires medial evacuation from the area of eligibility.

(3) While participating as a regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties into, out of, or within the area of eligibility in direct support of military operations. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day toward the 30 or 60-day requirement.

(4) Personnel who serve in operations and exercises conducted in the area of eligibility are considered eligible for the award as long as the basic time criteria is met. Due to the extensive time period for KDSM eligibility, the nonconsecutive service period for eligibility remains cumulative throughout the entire period.

(c) Awarding. (1) The KDSM may be awarded posthumously.

(2) Only one award of the KDSM is authorized for any individual.

(d) Precedence. The KDSM shall be positioned below the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal in precedence; and shall be positioned above the Armed Forces Service Medal.

(e) Description. The ribbon is dark green represents the land of Korea, blue indicates overseas service and commitment to achieving peace. Gold denotes excellence, white symbolizes idealism and integrity. The obverse is a bronze-color disc bearing a Korean “circle dragon” within an encircling scroll inscribed “Korea Defense Service Medal” with, in base, two sprigs, laurel to dexter side, bamboo to sinister. The four-clawed dragon is a traditional symbol of Korea and represents intelligence and strength of purpose. The sprig of laurel denotes honorable endeavor and victory, the bamboo refers to the land of Korea. The reverse is a representation of the land mass of Korea surmounted by two swords points up saltirewise within a circlet garnished of five points. The swords placed saltirewise over a map of Korea signify defense of freedom in that country and the readiness to engage in combat to that end. The circlet enclosing the device recalls the forms of five-petal symbols common in Korean armory.