features a shield adapted from the Great Seal of the United
States. The back includes the eagle, serpent and swords
from the medal's front-side design along with the
inscription "War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal." The
medal's final approval was announced Feb. 26.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2004 – Military members serving at home and abroad in the war on terrorism will now be
recognized for that service. Defense officials announced today the final approval of two new medals and their criteria.
Individuals who have deployed to operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom will be awarded the Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal will be awarded to those who served in
airport security operations in the United States following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks or who supported operations Enduring
Freedom, Noble Eagle or Iraqi Freedom.
"These medals recognize the significant contributions members of the armed forces bring to bear in combating terrorism in all
forms throughout the world - - for both current and future operations," stated a DoD news release.
Individuals can receive both medals if they meet the individual criteria, officials said.
To be awarded the expeditionary medal, individuals must have been deployed outside the United States for OEF or OIF for
30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. The time requirement is not needed if the individual engaged in combat,
was wounded or killed in action, or was medically evacuated for any reason, officials said.
The area of eligibility encompasses the U.S. Central Command area, excluding the lower Horn of Africa; Middle East;
eastern Turkey; Philippines; Diego Garcia; and all air spaces above the land and adjacent water areas, according to the
release.
Each day aircrew members fly sorties into designated areas counts as one day of deployment toward the 30- or 60-day
requirement.
Individuals engaged in actual combat may be eligible for battle stars on the expeditionary medal. Only a combatant
commander can initiate a request for a battle star, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the approving authority for
them, the release states.
Personnel eligible to receive the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal must have participated or support operations on
or after Sept. 11, 2001. Service medal eligibility dates run from Sept. 27, 2001, until May 31, 2002, for individuals who
served in airport security operations.
The same 30- or 60-day requirements apply to the service medal as to the expeditionary medal.
"Each military department will prescribe appropriate regulations for processing awarding and wearing of the medals and
ribbons for their service members, to include application procedures for veterans, retirees, and next-of-kin," the DoD
release stated.
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal has an eagle and wings display, with a terrestrial globe and the inscription
"War on Terrorism Service Medal." The reverse side features a laurel wreath. The medal's final approval was announced
Feb. 26.