History

The Korean Service Medal was authorized by President Harry Truman by Executive Order on November 8, 1950. The Bronze Medal was awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces in recognition of 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days of service in the Korean War between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954.

A bronze star emblem was authorized for wear on the Medal ribbon to denote service in the following campaigns or battles:
1. North Korean Aggression (June 2-November 2, 1950)
2. Communist China Aggression (November 3, 1950-January 24, 1951)
3. 1st UN Counteroffensive (January 25-April 21, 1950)
4. Communist China Spring Offensive (April 22-July 8, 1951)
5. UN Summer-Fall Offensive (July 9-November 27, 1951)
6. 2nd Korean Winder (November 28, 1951-April 30, 1952)
7. Korean Defensive 1952 (May 1-November 30, 1952)
8. 3rd Korean Winter (December 1, 1952-April 30, 1953)
9. Korea Summer-Fall 1953 (May 1-July 27, 1953)

A silver star was worn on the ribbon in lieu of 5 bronze stars. Additionally, an arrowhead device may be worn on the ribbon of Army personnel to denote participation in ambitious beach and airborne landings, and a Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia was available for award to Navy personnel in recognition of ground combat.