History

The Foreign Duty Award was originally established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as a ribbon only award. It wasn't until 1988 that a review of the Commissioned Officer's Award Program authorized the creation of a Medal to be awarded with the Foreign Duty Award, which was made available for private purchase. The Medal is awarded to civilian and military personnel in recognition of 30 consecutive or 90 nonconsecutive days of service in a post outside the United States, inclusive of territories and dominions. 30 consecutive days of service in ships in international waters with stops at international ports are also eligible for the award.

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