The Inter-American Defense Board Medal was established by the Ninety-first Session of the Inter-American Defense Board on 11 December 1945 and authorized by Executive Order 11446, 18 January 1969.

        a. U.S. military personnel who have served on the Inter-American Defense Board for at least 1 year as chairman of the board, delegates, advisers, officers of the staff, officers of the secretariat, or officers of the Inter-American Defense College may wear the Inter-American Defense Board ribbon permanently.

        b. U.S. military personnel who have been awarded the Inter-American Defense Board Medal and ribbon may wear them when attending meetings, ceremonies, or other functions where Latin American members of the Board are present.