History

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was established by President John F. Kennedy by Executive Order on December 4, 1961. The Bronze Medal is awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who served for 30 consecutive or 60 days nonconsecutive days in United States military operations, United States operations in support of the United Nations, or the United States operations in assistance to friendly foreign nations for which no other decoration exists. Military personnel who served in conflict or hazardous situations for less than the qualifying time period are still eligible for the award.

Only 1 award is made per United States operations, however, a bronze service star may be worn on the ribbon to denote subsequent qualifying periods. Additionally, Army personnel are eligible to receive an arrowhead ribbon device to denote beach and airborne assault landings, and Navy personnel may be awarded with a Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia in recognition of ground combat.