American Defense Service Medal

American Defense Service Medal. It is a military award of the United States Armed Forces established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to recognize those who served on active duty prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The medal honors service during the initial period of American preparedness and national emergency preceding formal entry into World War II. It was authorized for members of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, and the United States Army Air Forces.

History and establishment

The medal was created by Executive Order 8808, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 28 June 1941. Its establishment followed the limited emergency declared on 8 September 1939 after the outbreak of war in Europe and the subsequent unlimited national emergency declared on 27 May 1941. The period of eligibility was defined as service between these proclamations and the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. The War Department and the Navy Department jointly administered the award, reflecting the pre-war mobilization efforts across all service branches. This period encompassed the initial expansion of the United States Army, the naval buildup, and the activation of the National Guard.

Criteria and eligibility

Eligibility required active federal service for at least twelve months between 8 September 1939 and 7 December 1941. Members of the Philippine Scouts, a component of the United States Army, were also eligible for the award. Personnel serving outside the continental limits of the United States, such as in Newfoundland, Bermuda, Greenland, or the Caribbean, were eligible for a service clasp denoted by a bronze star worn on the medal's ribbon. Those stationed at bases in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Panama Canal Zone were also included. The United States Coast Guard was eligible for service during the unlimited emergency period following 27 May 1941.

Design and symbolism

The medal was designed by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry. The obverse features a female Greco-Roman figure symbolizing liberty, holding a shield and sword while standing upon a fasces, representing defensive preparedness. The reverse depicts an American bald eagle perched on a branch, above the inscription "AMERICAN DEFENSE". The ribbon is yellow with narrow red, white, and blue stripes at each edge, symbolizing vigilance and national colors. The foreign service clasp, a bronze star, was authorized for wear on both the medal and the service ribbon to denote duty outside the continental United States.

Order of precedence and wearing

In the order of precedence of United States military decorations, its placement varies by service branch. For the United States Army and the United States Air Force, it is worn after the Army of Occupation of Cuba Medal and before the Women's Army Corps Service Medal. For the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard, it follows the China Service Medal and precedes the American Campaign Medal. When worn as a ribbon on a uniform, the bronze service star, if authorized, is centered on the ribbon bar. The medal is not to be confused with the later World War II Victory Medal or the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal.

Notable recipients

Many prominent military and political figures received the award for their pre-war service. Notable recipients include General of the Army George C. Marshall, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, and General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. Other recipients were General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Admiral William D. Leahy, and Lieutenant General Holland Smith. Civilian leaders who served in the military during the eligibility period, such as President John F. Kennedy for his service in the United States Naval Reserve, and Senator Robert A. Taft, were also recipients. The award was also posthumously presented to personnel who died at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States Category:World War II awards and decorations of the United States