1.
Description: A bronze color metal disc 1 3/8 inches in diameter, charged
with an eagle, wings displayed, with a stylized shield of thirteen vertical
bars on its breast and holding in dexter claw an olive branch and in sinister
claw three arrows, all in front of a terrestrial globe with the inscription
above “WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE MEDAL.” On the reverse is a laurel wreath on a
plain field.
2. Symbolism:
The eagle and shield, adapted from the Great Seal, represent
the United States. They protect the globe above and behind, symbolizing
American resolve to combat and overcome global elements of international
terrorism. The laurel wreath represents the drive for peace. The three arrows
signify vigilance, resolve and peace.
3.
Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following
stripes: 5/32 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 1/8
inch Scarlet 67111; 1/16 inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101; 5/16
inch Old Glory Blue 67178; 1/16 inch White 67101; 1/16 inch Old Glory Blue
67178; 1/8 inch Scarlet 67111; 1/8 inch Golden Yellow 67104; 5/32 inch Old
Glory Blue 67178.
4.
Criteria: a. Authorized to be awarded to soldiers who have participated
in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism Operations outside the
designated areas of eligibility (AOE) for the Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, on or after 11 September 2001 to a date to be determined. Initial award of the Global
War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) will be limited to airport security
operations (from 27
September 2001 through 31 May 2002) and soldiers who supported
Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
b. All soldiers on active duty, including Reserve
Component soldiers mobilized, or National Guard soldiers activated on or after
11 September 2001 to a date to be determined, having served 30 consecutive days
or for 60 nonconsecutive days are authorized the GWOTSM.
c. The medal may be awarded posthumously to any
soldier who lost his/her life while, or as a direct result of, participating in
Global War on Terrorism Operations, without regard to length of such service,
if otherwise eligible.
d. Only one award of the GWOTSM may be authorized
for any individual. A message will be transmitted at a later date by the
Military Awards Branch to address battle stars/service stars.
5. Components: The following are authorized components and related
items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/308. NSN
8455-01-506-7170 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size):
MIL-DTL-3943/308. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/580.
Available commercially.
d. Lapel Button (ribbon replica):
MIL-DTL-11484/296. Available commercially.
6.
Background: a. On 20 September 2002, the Office of the Assistant
Secretary of Defense, requested the Institute provide suggested designs. This
was accomplished and the design was selected on 7 January 2003. Executive Order 13289, dated
12 March 2003, signed by President Bush, established this medal.
b. In order of precedence, the GWOTEM will be worn
before the GWOTSM and both shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal
(KCM) (i.e., KCM, GWOTEM, GWOTSM, KDSM, etc.).
c. Soldiers may receive both the
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) and the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM) if they meet the requirements of both awards;
however, the same period of service establishing eligibility for one cannot be
used to justify service eligibility for the other.
d. Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to
Army personnel is contained in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1. Policy for awards,
approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. The
policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of
streamers is contained in Chapter 9, 840-10.
