History

The Armed Forces Service Medal was authorized by President Bill Clinton by Executive Order on January 11, 1996. The Bronze Medal is retroactively awarded to personnel of the United States Armed Forces in recognition of significant activity in approved operations that occurred since June 1, 1992. No other United States campaign or service medal must exist to acknowledge the action and service must not involve engagements with foreign armed opposition or imminent hostilities. To be eligible for the award, the recipient must also have served as a member of a unit that has met the specific award criteria for each approved operation set forth by the Department of Defence. Service as a regularly assigned member of a unit participating for 1 or more days in a designated operational area, providing direct support for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in an area of eligibility, or as an air crewmember flying over an area of eligibility may qualify for the award of the Medal.

A bronze service star emblem may be worn on the ribbon to denote subsequent awards. A silver star may be worn in lieu of 5 bronze stars.