TABLE OF CONTENTS Page FOREWORD2 TABLE OF CONTENTS3 FIGURES5 REFERENCES6 CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION11 C1.1. PURPOSE11 C1.2. DEFINITIONS11 C1.3. POLICY12 C1.4. RESPONSIBILITIES13 CHAPTER 2 - MEDAL OF HONOR (MOH) RECOMMENDATIONS16 C2.1. PURPOSE16 C2.2. PROCEDURES INVOLVING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MOH16 C2.3. PRESENTATION OF THE MOH17 C2.4. COURTESIES AND PRIVILIGES AFFORDED MOH RECIPIENTS17 CHAPTER 3 - DoD DECORATIONS19 C3.1. INTRODUCTION19 C3.2. GENERAL PROVISIONS20 C3.3. GENERAL PROCEDURES22 C3.4. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS25 CHAPTER 4 - THE JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD35 C4.1. INTRODUCTION35 C4.2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS35 C4.3. PREPARATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS36 C4.4. SUBMISSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS37 C4.5. APPROVAL AUTHORITY37 C4.6. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES38 C4.7. MANNER OF WEAR38 C4.8. EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY38 CHAPTER 5 - U.S. NONMILITARY DECORATIONS41 C5.1. PURPOSE41 C5.2. POLICY41 CHAPTER 6 - DoD SERVICE MEDALS42 C6.1. INTRODUCTION42 C6.2. POW MEDAL43 C6.3. NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL45 C6.4. ANTARTICA SERVICE MEDAL46 C6.5. ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL48 C6.6. VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL50 C6.7. SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE MEDAL52 C6.8. ARMED FORCES SERCICE MEDAL53 C6.9. HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL57 C6.10. MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL61 CHAPTER 7 - FOREIGN DECORATIONS AND SERVICE AWARDS64 C7.1. INTRODUCTION64 C7.2. GENERAL PROVISIONS64 C7.3. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS66 C7.4. PROCEDURES68 C7.5. FOREIGN SERVICE AWARDS AND DECORATIONS69 CHAPTER 8 - ARMED FORCES DECORATIONS FOR FOREIGN MILITARY PERSONNEL77 C8.1. INTRODUCTION77 C8.2. DECORATIONS TO FOREIGN NATIONALS77 C8.3. RESPONSIBILITIES80 C8.4. PROCEDURES81 CHAPTER 9 - OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION BADGE83 C9.1. INTRODUCTION83 C9.2. POLICY83 C9.3. ELIGIBILITY83 C9.4. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY85 C9.5. PROCEDURES86 CHAPTER 10 - APPURTENANCES87 C10.1. SERVICE DEVICES87 C10.2. GOLD STAR LAPEL BUTTON88 C10.3. SERVICE FLAG AND LAPEL BUTTON88 APPENDICES AP1. U.S. MILITARY DECORATIONS94 AP2. U.S. UNIT AWARDS110 AP3. DoD ACTIVITIES AWARDED THE JMUA117 AP4. U.S. SERVICE MEDALS, CAMPAIGN MEDALS, AND SERVICE RIBBONS124 AP5. OPERATIONS APPROVED FOR AWARD OF THE AFEM164 AP6. VIETNAM CAMPAIGNS AND/OR SOUTHWEST ASIA CAMPAIGNS166 AP7. APPROVED OPERATIONS FOR AWARD OF THE HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL167 AP8. SAMPLE CITATIONS174 AP9. U.N. OPERATIONS FOR WHICH MEMBERS OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES MAY ACCEPT AND WEAR THE UNITED NATIONS MEDAL182 Figure TitlePage C3.F1. Sample Format for Award Recommendations33 C4.F1. Sample Format for JMUA Recommendations39 C4.F2. Sample Citations - JMUA40 C6.F1. Sample Format - MOVSM Nomination62 C10.F1. Service Flag for Immediate Family and Organizations93 REFERENCES (a) Section 1130 of title 10, United States Code, "Consideration of Proposals for Decorations not Previously Submitted in Timely Fashion," February 10, 1996 (b) DoD 5025.1-M, "DoD Directives System Procedures," August 1994 (c) Executive Order 3524, "Designing of Medals, Insignia, Coins, Statues, Fountains, Monuments, Parks and Public Buildings," July 28, 1921 (d) Section 4594 of title 10, United States Code, "Furnishing of Heraldic Services," March 1995 (e) Section 1130 of title 10, United States Code, "Consideration of Proposals for Decorations Not Previously Submitted in Timely Fashion: Procedures for Review and Recommendation," March 1995, Section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, "Medal of Honor; Distinguished Service Cross; Distinguished Service Medal: Limitations on Award," March 1995 and Section 8744 of title 10, United States Code, "Medal of Honor; Air Force Cross; Distinguished Service Medal: Limitations on Award," March 1995 (f) Section 6248 of title 10, United States Code, "Limitations of Time," March 1995 (g) Section 668 of title 10, United States Code, "Definitions," March 1995 (h) Office of the Secretary of Defense (OEPM) Memorandum, "Manufacture and Sale of Military Decorations," December 2, 1993 (i) Executive Order 11545, "Establishing the Defense Distinguished Service Medal," July 9, 1970 (j) Executive Order 11904, "Establishing the Defense Superior Service Medal," February 6, 1976 (k) Executive Order 12019, "Establishing the Defense Meritorious Service Medal," November 3, 1977 (l) "The United States Government Manual 1987/88," June 2, 1987 (m) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (P&R) Memorandum, "Proposed Delegation of Awards Authority," March 7, 1994 and Office of Secretary of Defense (DA&M) Memorandum, "Delegation of Awards Authority," March 10, 1994 (n) Section 1123 of title 10, United States Code, "Right to Wear Badges of Military Societies," March 1995 (o) Section 1128 of title 10, United States Code, "Prisoner of War Medal: Issue," March 1995 (p) DoD Directive 1000.20, "Determination of Active Military Service and Discharge: Civilian or Contractual Personnel," September 11, 1989 (q) Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "DoD Policy for Issue of the Prisoner of War Medal," March 3, 1988 (r) Executive Order 10448, "Establishing the National Defense Service Medal," as amended by Executive Order 11265, January 11, 1966 (s) Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Reinstatement of the National Defense Service Medal," February 20, 1991 (t) DoD Instruction 1348.9, "Antarctica Service Medal," March 2, 1973 (u) Executive Order 10977, "Establishing the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal," December 4, 1961 (v) Under Secretary of Defense Personnel and Readiness Memorandum, "Policy for Wear of the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal," February 7, 1996 (w) Executive Order 11231, "Establishing the Vietnam Service Medal," July 8, 1965 (x) Executive Order 12754, "Establishing the Southwest Asia Service Medal," March 12, 1991 (y) Executive Order 12985, "Establishing the Armed Forces Service Medal," January 11, 1996 (z) Executive Order 11965, "Establishing the Humanitarian Service Medal," January 19, 1977 (aa) Executive Order 12830, "Establishing the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal," January 9, 1993 (bb) Assistant Secretary of Defense (FMP) Memorandum, "Approval Authority for Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM)," May 7, 1996 (cc) Section 7342 of title 5, United States Code, "Receipt and Disposition of Foreign Gifts and Decorations," 1980 (dd) DoD Directive 1005.13, "Gifts from Foreign Governments," October 13, 1988 (ee) Public Law No. 80-134, "World War II," May 15, 1947 (ff) Public Law No. 81-503, "Berlin Airlift," January 13, 1950 (gg) Public Law No. 83-354, "Korean Conflict," May 8, 1954 (hh) Public Law No. 89-257, "Vietnam Era," October 19, 1965 (ii) Section 152 of title 26, United States Code, "Dependent Defined," 1988 (jj) Executive Order 11446, "Authorizing the Acceptance of Service Medals and Ribbons from Multilateral Organizations Other than the United Nations," January 16, 1969 (kk) Executive Order 11139, "Authorizing Acceptance of the United Nations Medal and Service Ribbon," January 7, 1964 (ll) Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Acceptance and Wear of the Inter-American Defense Board Medal and Ribbon," May 12, 1981 (mm) Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Multinational Force and Observers Medal," July 26, 1982 (nn) Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Acceptance of Foreign Awards in the Recognition of Active Service in Time of Combat Operations," (Kuwait Liberation Medal-SA) October 7, 1991 (oo) Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Acceptance of Foreign Award in Recognition of Active Field Service in Time of Combat Operations," (Kuwait Liberation Medal-K) March 16, 1995 (pp) DoD Directive 5120.15, "Authority for Approval of Cash Honorary Awards for DoD Personnel," August 13, 1985 (qq) Executive Order 9260, "Legion of Merit," October 29, 1942, as amended by Executive Order 10600, March 15, 1955 (rr) Executive Order 11448, "Establishing the Meritorious Service Medal," January 16, 1949, as amended by Executive Order 12312, July 2, 1981 (ss) Presidential Memorandum, "Award of Military Department Commendation Medals," June 1, 1962 (tt) Section 1125 of title 10, United States Code, "Recognition for Accomplishments: Award of Trophies," March 1995 (uu) Section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, "Gold Star Lapel Button: Eligibility and Distribution," March 1995 (vv) Section 176 of title 36, United States Code, "Respect for Flag," 1988 (ww) Section 181 of title 36, United States Code, "Approval of Design by Secretary of Defense; License to Manufacture and Sell; Penalties," 1988 (xx) Section 6241 of title 10, United States Code, "Medal of Honor," March 1995 (yy) Section 491 of title 14, United States Code, "Medal of Honor," 1990 (zz) Section 3741 of title 10, United States Code, "Medal of Honor: Award," March 1995 (aaa) Section 8741 of title 10, United States Code, "Medal of Honor: Award," March 1995 (bbb) Section 3742 of title 10, United States Code, "Distinguished Service Cross: Award," March 1995 (ccc) Section 6242 of title 10, United States Code, "Navy Cross," March 1995 (ddd) Section 8742 of title 10, United States Code, "Air Force Cross: Award," March 1995 (eee) Section 6243 of title 10, United States Code, "Distinguished Service Medal," March 1995 (fff) Section 492 of title 14, United States Code, "Distinguished Service Medal," 1990 (ggg) Section 3743 of title 10, United States Code, "Distinguished Service Medal: Award," March 1995 (hhh) Section 8743 of title 10, United States Code, "Distinguished Service Medal: Award," March 1995 (iii) Executive Order 12824, "Establishing the Transportation Distinguished Service Medal," December 7, 1992 (jjj) Section 3746 of title 10, United States Code, "Silver Star: Award," March 1995 (kkk) Section 8746 of title 10, United States Code, "Silver Star: Award," March 1995 (lll) Section 6244 of title 10, United States Code, "Silver Star," March 1995 (mmm) Section 1121 of title 10, United States Code, "Legion of Merit: Award," March 1995 (nnn) Sections 3749 - 6245 - 8749 of title 10, United States Code, "Distinguished Flying Cross: Award; Limitations," March 1995 and Section 492a of title 14, United States Code, "Distinguished Flying Cross," 1990 (ooo) Section 3750 of title 10, United States Code, "Soldiers Medal: Award; Limitations," March 1995 (ppp) Section 6246 of title 10, United States Code, "Navy and Marine Corps Medal," March 1995 (qqq) Section 8750 of title 10, United States Code, "Airman's Medal: Award; Limitations," March 1995 (rrr) Section 493 of title 14, United States Code, "Coast Guard Medal," 1990 (sss) Executive Order 11046, "Bronze Star Medal," August 24, 1962 (ttt) War Department General Orders No. 3, "The Purple Heart," February 22, 1932; as amended by Executive Order 9277, December 3, 1942; Executive Order 10409, November 12, 1952; Executive Order 11016, April 25, 1962; Executive Order 12464, February 23, 1984; and Public Law No. 98-525, October 19, 1984 (uuu) Section 1129 of title 10, United States Code, "Purple Heart: Members Killed or Wounded in Action by Friendly Fire," March 1995 (vvv) DoD Authorization Act for FY 1996, Section 521, "Award of the Purple Heart To Persons Wounded While Held As Prisoners of War Before April 25, 1962," February 10, 1996 (www) Executive Order 9158, "Air Medal," May 11, 1942; as amended by Executive Order 9242-A, September 11, 1942 (xxx) Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Joint Service Commendation Medal," June 25, 1963 (yyy) Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Combat Distinguishing Device for the Joint Service Commendation Medal," November 29, 1965 (zzz) DoD Directive 1348.28, "Joint Service Achievement Medal," March 29, 1984 (aaaa) Executive Order 9057, "Army Distinguished Unit Citation," February 26, 1942; as superseded by Executive Order 10694, January 10, 1957 (bbbb) DoD Directive 1348.27, "Joint Meritorious Unit Award," July 22, 1982 (cccc) President Woodrow Wilson's Letter, "Authority For Nicaraguan Campaign Badges," September 22, 1913 (dddd) Executive Order 8808, "American Defense Service Medal," June 28, 1941 (eeee) Executive Order 8809, "Good Conduct Medal," June 28, 1941; as amended by Executive Order 9323, March 31, 1943; and Executive Order 10444, April 10, 1953 (ffff) Public Law, "An Act to Establish the Army of Occupation Medal Germany," November 21, 1941 (gggg) Executive Order 9265, "Establishing the American, European-African-Middle Eastern and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medals," November 6, 1942; as amended by Executive Order 9706, March 15, 1947 (hhhh) Executive Order 9365, "Establishing the Women's Army Corps Service Medal," July 29, 1943 (iiii) Public Law 79-135, "An Act to Establish the World War Two Victory Medal," July 6, 1945, 59 Stat. 461 (jjjj) "An Act to Establish the U.S. Antarctica Expedition Medal," September 24, 1945 (kkkk) "An Act to Establish the Medal for Humane Action," July 20, 1949, 65 Stat. 477 (llll) Executive Order 12776, "Extending the National Defense Service Medal to Members of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States During the Period of the Persian Gulf Crisis," October 18, 1991 (mmmm) Executive Order 10163, "Armed Forces Reserve Medal," September 25, 1950; as amended by Executive Order 10439, March 19, 1953 and Executive Order 13013 (nnnn) Section 101 of title 10, United States Code, "Definitions," March 1995 (oooo) Executive Order 10179, "Korean Service Medal," November 8, 1950; as amended by Executive Order 10429, January 17, 1953 C1. CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION C1.1. PURPOSE This Manual explains DoD policies and procedures on awarding Defense decorations and Service awards; nonmilitary decorations; the acceptance of foreign military decorations by members of the Armed Forces of the United States; and the Office of Secretary of Defense Identification Badge (hereafter referred to as the "OSD Badge"). It describes the various Defense awards; the basis and eligibility requirements for the award; and who is eligible to receive and who is eligible to authorize the award. It tells how to prepare, submit, and process recommendations for Defense decorations and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA). C1.2. DEFINITIONS C1.2.1. Joint Activity. For the purpose of this Manual and the eligibility for Defense decorations, the term "joint" connotes activities, operations or organizations in which elements of more than one Service of the United States, as reflected in joint manpower documents, perform joint missions under the auspices of the OSD; the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; or the commander of a Unified or Combined Command. A joint task force (JTF) commander, the staff, and other Service members assigned and/or attached to a JTF as individuals (not as members of a Service unit) may also be eligible for Defense decorations and the JMUA to recognize exceptional service or achievement. Members of Service-unique units assigned and/or attached to a JTF retain eligibility for award of personal decorations and unit awards from their parent Services. They may not be awarded Defense decorations nor included in the award of the JMUA. The Director, Joint Staff, provides a list of units awarded the JMUA (Appendix 3). C1.2.2. Meritorious Service. Individual performance must exceed that expected by virtue of grade and experience, based on accomplishments during an entire tour of duty. Awards given for service must cover the period of the controlled duty tour, plus any extensions and are normally awarded for a period of service greater than 12 months. C1.2.3. Outstanding Achievement. An outstanding achievement decoration, also known as an "impact award," is rare, and is intended to recognize a single specific act or accomplishment, separate and distinct from regularly assigned duties, such as a special project. It is not intended to provide a means to authorize additional decorations or a decoration when the conditions for a completed period of service have not been fulfilled nor is it intended as an automatic award for members assigned to joint activities on temporary duty (TDY) orders. An outstanding achievement covers a short period of time with definite beginning and ending dates. A recommendation for an outstanding achievement award should be submitted only when the achievement is of such magnitude that it cannot be recognized in any other way than by award of a decoration, and to delay such recognition until completion of the individual's period of service would diminish the significance of the accomplishment. C1.2.4. Joint Task Force (JTF). A JTF is a force composed of assigned or attached elements of two or more Military Departments, that is constituted and so designated by the Secretary of Defense, or by the commander of a Unified Combatant Command. C1.2.5. Principal Staff Assistants. The principal staff assistants are the Under Secretaries of Defense (USDs); the Comptroller of the Department of Defense (C, DoD); the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E); the Assistant Secretaries of Defense (ASDs); the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E); the General Counsel of the Department of Defense (GC, DoD); the Inspector General of the Department of Defense (IG, DoD); the Assistants to the Secretary of Defense (ATSDs); the OSD Directors or equivalents who report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. C1.2.6. Secretary Concerned. The Secretaries of the Military Departments. C1.3. POLICY It is DoD policy that members of the Armed Forces of the United States shall, through the DoD Military Awards Program, receive tangible recognition for acts of valor, exceptional service or achievement, and acts of heroism. Awards and decorations must be placed into official channels as stated by DoD guidance for that particular award. However, a Member of Congress can request consideration of a proposal for the award or presentation of a decoration not previously submitted in a timely fashion. Upon request of a Member of Congress, the Secretary concerned shall review a proposal for the award or presentation of decoration (or the upgrading of a decoration), either for an individual or unit, that is not otherwise authorized to be presented or awarded due to limitations established by law or policy. Based upon such review, the Secretary shall make a determination as to the merits of approving the award or presentation of the decoration and other determinations necessary to comply with congressional reporting under 10 U.S.C. 1130 (reference (a)). C1.4. RESPONSIBILITIES Specific responsibilities involving individual Defense decorations or Service awards are outlined in the applicable chapters of this Manual. The general responsibilities involving the management of the DoD Military Awards Program are as follows: C1.4.1. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy (ASD(FM&P)) shall: C1.4.1.1. Develop, publish, and maintain a single DoD Manual governing the DoD Military Awards Program, consistent with DoD 5025.1-M (reference (b)). C1.4.1.2. Ensure that implementing documents by the Military Departments and the DoD Components conform to pertinent laws, Executive orders, regulations, and DoD policy. C1.4.1.3. Provide the policies and procedures necessary to manage the DoD Military Awards Program. C1.4.1.4. Adjudicate individual exceptions to policy. C1.4.2. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (C, JCS) shall: C1.4.2.1. Designate U.S. military operations that qualify for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Armed Forces Service Medal. C1.4.2.2. Establish campaign medal criteria and dates of eligibility commencement and termination. C1.4.2.3. Ensure that the Director, Joint Staff shall: C1.4.2.3.1. Establish procedures for his staff to ensure compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in this Manual. C1.4.2.3.2. Adjudicate individual Defense awards exceptions to policies for Service members permanently assigned to joint commands or organizations reporting to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. C1.4.3. The Director of Administration and Management, Office of the Secretary of Defense (DA&M) shall: C1.4.3.1. Provide the policies governing the issuance of the OSD Badge. C1.4.3.2. Administer the following: C1.4.3.2.1. The procurement and issuance of the OSD Badge. C1.4.3.2.2. The entrance date of Service members proposed for authorization to wear the OSD Badge. C1.4.3.2.3. The procurement, stocking, and issuance of certificates and citations for the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) and the Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM). C1.4.3.2.4. The processing of all individual Defense decoration nominations not handled by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. That includes all the DDSMs, and all the DSSMs and below from the OSD, the Defense Agencies, and the DoD Field Activities. C1.4.4. The Director, Defense Logistics Agency shall: C1.4.4.1. Procure, stock, and issue Defense decorations and awards for the OSD and the DoD Field Activities, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the joint activities, the Defense Agencies, and the Military Departments. C1.4.4.2. Procure, stock, and issue certificates for the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM), and the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM), as authorized by the ASD(FM&P), for the OSD and DoD Field Activities, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the joint activities, the Defense Agencies, and the Military Departments. C1.4.5. The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall: C1.4.5.1. Establish procedures in their respective Departments to ensure compliance with the policies and procedures outlined in this Manual. C1.4.5.2. Administer the Military Service awards program for non-Defense decorations or awards in their Department. C1.4.5.3. Comply with the provisions of E.O. 3524 (reference (c)), as they pertain to the designing of medals and insignia. C1.4.6. The Secretary of the Army shall: C1.4.6.1. Provide for the furnishing of heraldic services under regulations prescribed by him or her and based on the authority in 10 U.S.C. 4594 (reference (d)), an authority designated by him or her may, on the request of, and subject to approval by, the Secretary of another Military Department or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, design flags, insignia, badges, medals, seals, decorations, guidons, streamers, final pieces for flagstaffs, buttons, buckles, awards, trophies, marks, emblems, rosettes, scrolls, braids, ribbons, knots, tabs, cords, and similar items for the requesting Department. C1.4.6.2. Advise other Federal Agencies on matters of heraldry. C1.4.6.3. Prescribe regulations providing for reimbursement for services furnished. C2. CHAPTER 2 MEDAL OF HONOR (MOH) RECOMMENDATIONS C2.1. PURPOSE The purpose of this Chapter is to furnish guidance to the Military Departments in the processing of recommendations for the MOH. C2.2. PROCEDURES INVOLVING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MOH C2.2.1. The Secretary concerned shall establish procedures for processing recommendations for the award of the MOH in his or her Military Department. Minimally, those recommendations shall contain the endorsement of the subordinate Unified Combatant Commander or the JTF Commander, if involved; the Unified Combatant Commander concerned; and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After endorsement by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the recommendation shall be referred to the Secretary concerned for appropriate action. C2.2.2. The Army and Air Force MOH recommendations must be entered formally into official channels in two years of the act warranting the recommendation, and awarded in three years (except as provided in title 10 U.S.C. 3744 or 8744 (reference (e)) and Section 1130 of title 10, U.S.C. (reference (a))). The Navy-Marine Corps MOH recommendations must be formally entered into official channels in three years of the act warranting the recommendation, and awarded in five years (except as provided in Section 6248 of reference (f) and Section 1130 of reference (a)). However, a Member of Congress can request consideration of a proposal for the award or presentation of a decoration not previously submitted in a timely fashion under reference (a). C2.2.3. Recommendations for award of the MOH disapproved by a Secretary of a Military Department, or the Secretary of Defense, may only be resubmitted if new, substantive and material information is provided in the time limits in 10 U.S.C. 3744, 6248, and 8744 (references (e) and (f)). The information forming the basis must have been previously unknown and not considered by recommending and disapproving officials. The determination of the existence of new material and substantive information being a basis for reconsideration may not be delegated below the Secretary of a Military Department. C2.2.3.1. The remaining bases for reconsideration are instances in which a Secretary of a Military Department or the Secretary of Defense determines there is evidence of material error or impropriety in the original processing or decision on a recommendation for award of the MOH. Examples of such instances might be loss of accompanying and/or substantiating documents to the recommendation or proven gender or racial discrimination. Determination of the existence of material error or impropriety in the original processing and decision shall not be delegated below the Secretary of a Military Department. In such cases, the Secretary of Defense shall determine the need for legislation. C2.2.3.2. All other instances of reconsideration shall be limited to those in which the formal recommendation was submitted in statutory time limits, the recommendation was lost or inadvertently not acted on, and when those facts are conclusively established by the respective Secretary of a Military Department or other official delegated appropriate authority. Those provisions are to protect the integrity and purity of purpose of the MOH by ensuring that all relevant information is submitted and considered while the actions are fresh in the minds of the witnesses. C2.3. PRESENTATION OF THE MOH When practical, presentation of the MOH shall be made by the President of the United States, as the Commander in Chief (CINC), in a formal ceremony in Washington, DC. As such, premature public disclosure of information concerning recommendations, processing and approval or disapproval actions is a potential source of embarrassment to those recommended and the Government. Additionally, in the case of approved recommendations, it could diminish the impact of ceremonies at which the presentation is made. Therefore, to prevent premature disclosure, the policy of the Department of Defense is not to comment on any MOH case under consideration. Accordingly, the processing of MOH recommendations shall be handled on a "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" basis until the awards are announced officially or are presented. C2.4. COURTESIES AND PRIVILEGES AFFORDED MOH RECIPIENTS C2.4.1. Each recipient receives a monthly 400 dollar pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). C2.4.2. Enlisted recipients who retire with 20 or more years of Military Service receive a 10-percent increase in retired pay, not to exceed the 75 percent maximum. C2.4.3. Recipients are issued a special MOH Travel and Identification Card signed by the Secretary of a Military Department. That entitles recipients who are not on active duty and not military retirees to use space available military air transportation. C2.4.4. Unlike military personnel and retirees, MOH recipients may wear their uniforms at any time or place they choose. C2.4.5. Recipients who are not on active duty and not military retirees are issued a DoD Identification Card, as are their family members. It authorizes them military commissary, post exchange, and theater privileges. All of the Services, consistent with DoD policy, authorize use of morale, welfare, and recreation activities, including honorary club membership without dues. C2.4.6. Children of MOH recipients are not subject to quotas if they are qualified and desire to attend one of the U.S. military academies. C2.4.7. MOH recipients receive invitations to attend Presidential inaugurations and accompanying festivities. Military recipients and those who are civil servants have traditionally been authorized administrative absence instead of chargeable leave to attend. C2.4.8. The VA provides a special engraved headstone for deceased recipients of the MOH. C2.4.9. MOH recipients should be accorded on-base billeting commensurate with the prestige associated with the MOH. C3. CHAPTER 3 DoD DECORATIONS C3.1. INTRODUCTION C3.1.1. Military decorations are awarded in recognition of individual heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service. In the United States, the tradition of military decorations can be traced back to the American Revolution. The first medals were not part of an organized, systematic plan of awards, but were intended to recognize certain individuals for special occasions. Initially, there were six medals awarded by the Continental Congress. C3.1.2. The MOH was the first decoration to be designed and authorized for U.S. Service members since General Washington's Badge of Military Merit. On December 21, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln approved the establishment of a MOH for enlisted men of the Navy and Marine Corps. Within 7 months (July 12, 1862), the President authorized a similar decoration for enlisted members of the U.S. Army. C3.1.3. Throughout the history of the Armed Forces of the United States, nearly 60 different decorations have evolved. Changes in eligibility criteria have been made over the years and, in some cases, decorations have fallen into disuse; however, the basic hierarchy remains unchanged. The MOH remains the highest military decoration that this Nation can bestow on a Service member and lesser degrees of recognition are acknowledged by other decorations in descending order from the MOH. C3.1.4. Although a formal system for recognition was established, not until 1963 were steps taken to resolve the one major deficiency in the system. No means existed by which Service members assigned to joint activities could be recognized by any decoration other than a Service decoration. Sixteen years after the formation of the Department of Defense, the first Defense decoration -- the Joint Service Commendation Medal -- was authorized by the Secretary of Defense for award to Service members assigned to joint activities. As with Service decorations, Defense decorations have evolved to where today there are a total of five Defense decorations that complement noncombat Service decorations. C3.1.5. Sections C3.2. through C3.4., below, outline the specific policies and procedures that apply to those five Defense decorations and to those Service members eligible for consideration. C3.2. GENERAL PROVISIONS C3.2.1. Unless otherwise stated, only those members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have rendered superior meritorious service while permanently assigned to a joint duty activity (JDA) or assigned to a JTF Headquarters shall be eligible for consideration of a Defense decoration. C3.2.2. While Service members permanently assigned to staff or faculty positions of joint-Service schools are eligible for Defense awards, students of such schools are not. C3.2.3. Individuals permanently assigned to joint duty organizations are eligible for Defense awards consideration. However, eligibility for joint awards does not constitute eligibility for JDA credit, as governed by 10 U.S.C. 668 (reference (g)). C3.2.4. Individual mobilization augmentees (IMAs) permanently assigned to joint activities are also eligible for Defense awards consideration. C3.2.5. Being under operational control of a joint activity does not constitute Defense award eligibility. Personnel who are assigned to Military Department components that are subsequently attached to a joint activity for administrative or exercise purposes shall not be eligible for a Defense decoration. (Individual Service members performing as part of a unit whose mission is Service-specific (e.g., mobile training teams) are not eligible for Defense awards.) C3.2.6. DoD decorations will be awarded for recognition of outstanding achievement. In recognition of outstanding achievement (as defined in Chapter 1, C1.2.3., above). Defense decorations may be awarded to Service members on temporary duty (TDY) to a joint activity. The achievement must be of a truly outstanding nature. Only under the most unusual circumstances will the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM), Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) or Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY ACHIEVEMENT. The DDSM and the DSSM are specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service and exceptionally superior service, respectively, and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period. Likewise, the DMSM recognizes exceptionally meritorious service performed at levels up to but which do not merit recognition through the DSSM. For awards purposes, the word "service" is defined as "a period of time greater than 12 months and encompassing an individual's entire joint assignment." C3.2.7. No Defense decoration shall be awarded or presented to any Service member whose entire service during or after the time of the distinguished act, achievement, or service has not been honorable. C3.2.8. Any Defense decoration for a distinguished act, achievement, or service may be revoked if facts, later determined, would have prevented original approval of the decoration. Commanders or staff directors becoming aware of any such instances must immediately report the circumstances and make recommendations, through channels, to the awarding authority for review and determination of appropriate action. Awarding authorities must seek advice from their legal staff in all cases where there is doubt as to the appropriateness of the award action. A decoration also should be revoked if the basis for which it was awarded no longer exists (e.g., the Service member's permanent change of station (PCS) assignment was canceled). When the awarding authority has determined that a Defense decoration should be revoked, the original orders should be revoked and the Service member notified by the parent Military Service. C3.2.9. The number of decorations that may be awarded to a Service member is not limited; however, only one decoration is awarded for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Additionally, Defense decorations may not be awarded to any Service member for an act, achievement, or period of service for which a Service decoration has been awarded. C3.2.10. Multiple decorations shall be denoted by an oak-leaf cluster worn on the suspension and Service ribbon of the medal. C3.2.11. Service members who may retire from active duty from a joint assignment shall not be used to request or justify a higher level award than the actual service, achievement, or tenure in the joint assignment supports. In other words, Defense award recommendations must be based purely on the tour of joint service and not the Service member's entire career. In those instances where length of the joint terminal assignment, or degree of responsibility, would not qualify a Service member for an appropriate level Defense award on retirement, recommending officials may consider recommending the Service member for a Service award. Any Defense decoration may be awarded on retirement or separation of an eligible Service member. That award recommendation must stand on its own and not take into account the Service member's previous assignments. C3.2.12. Defense decorations may be awarded posthumously. When so awarded, they may be presented to an appropriate representative of the deceased, as determined by the awarding authority. C3.2.13. Military miniature and full size medals can be manufactured and sold by certified manufacturers with the exception of the Medal of Honor under the OSD Memorandum (reference (h)). The Institute of Heraldry, U.S. Army, is designated to act in behalf of the Department of Defense in establishing regulations governing control in manufacture and quality of decorations. C3.2.14. Replacement of Defense Decorations C3.2.14.1. The Service member to whom a Defense decoration has been awarded or the representative of a Service member to whom a Defense decoration was posthumously awarded may receive a replacement decoration without cost, if the previously issued medal, ribbon, or other device for wear with or in place of an individual decoration has been lost, destroyed, or rendered unfit for use, without fault or neglect on the part of the recipient or the representative. All other replacement decorations are replaced at cost. Miniature decorations are not replaced by the Department of Defense. Such miniatures must be purchased from commercial sources at the Service member's expense. C3.2.14.2. Requests for replacement decorations shall be submitted in accordance with the procedures established by the Military Service concerned. For those Defense decorations that the Military Services are unable to obtain through normal supply channels, the Military Service concerned should obtain the decoration from the Chief, Military Personnel Division; Personnel and Security Directorate; Washington Headquarters Services, Washington DC, 20301-1155. C3.2.15. Requests for exceptions to any policy or procedure pertaining to Defense decorations shall be forwarded to the ASD(FM&P), or to the Director, Joint Staff for Service members permanently assigned to joint organizations or activities that report to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Disapproval of such requests may be made at any level of command. C3.3. GENERAL PROCEDURES C3.3.1. Each recommendation for a Defense decoration is evaluated on the merits of the justification submitted. The justification must be specific, factual and provide concrete examples of exactly what the person did, how well he or she did it, and what the impact or benefits were and how they significantly exceeded expected performance of duty. C3.3.2. All recommendations for Defense decorations shall be submitted by official memorandum or letter (original plus 3 copies) through command or staff channels to the appropriate approval authority using the format shown in Figure C3.F1. The JTF and special program offices must process award recommendations through the Executive Agent and, where applicable, the appropriate Principal Staff Assistant. The narrative justification for either the DDSM or the DSSM shall not exceed two single-spaced typewritten pages, and for lesser Defense decorations it shall not exceed one single-spaced typewritten page. Supporting documentation only should be included when such documentation is essential to the recommendation. C3.3.3. All recommendations placed in official channels must be forwarded to the designated authority for approval or disapproval. Where appropriate, intermediate endorsing officials or commanders may recommend disapproval or comment on the propriety of lesser or higher awards if they do not favor the requested decoration. Placement in official channels is defined as "signed by the initiating official and endorsed by a higher official in the chain of command." C3.3.4. Each recommendation for a Defense decoration must be entered administratively into command or staff channels within one year of the act, achievement, or service to be recognized. C3.3.5. Authorities shall administratively review recommendations and prepare the appropriate certificates for approved decorations: C3.3.5.1. In preparing certificates, the name of the issuing Agency, command, or office shall be typed or lettered above the "Command or Office" line on the left. The signature block of the approval authority shall be typed on the lower right above the "Secretary of Defense" line. (The overprinting or typing of the word "For" on the approval line is unnecessary.) C3.3.5.2. Guidance for preparation of citations is outlined at Appendix 8. The awarding authority will no longer prepare the citations for Defense decorations (DDSM, and below). Recommending commands will prepare citations as outlined in Appendix 8 and include a copy of the citation with the award recommendation. The awarding authority will continue providing the certificate, medal set and folder C3.3.6. Lost Recommendations. Recommendations officially placed into command or staff channels in the prescribed time limitations, but which were not acted on through loss or inadvertence, may be resubmitted at any time within the 2 years after the distinguished act, achievement, or service for consideration to the appropriate awarding authority. Lost recommendations must be forwarded through the same official channels and are contingent upon the requirements described in paragraphs C3.3.6.1. through C3.3.6.3., below. Recommendations not so documented shall be returned without action. The resubmission must include the following: C3.3.6.1. A copy of the original recommendation or its substantive equivalent. Minimally, the recommendations should be accompanied by statements, certificates, and affidavits corroborating the events or services involved. The person signing a reconstructed award recommendation must be identified clearly in terms of his or her official relationship to the intended recipient at the time of the act or during the period of service to be recognized. C3.3.6.2. Conclusive evidence that the recommendation was officially placed in command or staff channels in the prescribed time limit (paragraph C3.3.4., above). C3.3.6.3. Conclusive evidence of the loss of the recommendation or the failure to act on the recommendation through inadvertence. C3.3.7. Reconsideration of Disapproved Recommendations C3.3.7.1. A request for reconsideration of a disapproved or downgraded recommendation must be placed in official channels within 1 year from the date of the awarding authority's decision. One time reconsideration by the award authority shall be conclusive. However, a Member of Congress can request a review of a proposal for the award or presentation of a decoration (or the upgrading of a decoration) that is not authorized to be presented or awarded due to limitations established by law or policy for timely submission of a recommendation (reference (e)). C3.3.7.2. Recommendations are submitted for reconsideration only if new, substantive and material information is furnished and the time limits specified in paragraph C3.3.7.1., above, do not prevent such action. Requests for reconsideration must be forwarded through the same official channels as the original recommendation. The additional justification for reconsideration must be in letter format, not to exceed two single-spaced typewritten pages. A copy of the original recommendation, with all endorsements, and the citation must be attached. C3.3.7.3. If the reconsideration is approved and when a lesser decoration has already been approved, action is taken by the awarding authority to revoke the lesser awarded Defense decoration. C3.4. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS C3.4.1. Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM) C3.4.1.1. Authorized by E.O. 11545 (reference (i)). C3.4.1.2. The DDSM shall only be awarded to officers of the Armed Forces of the United States whose exceptional performance of duty and contributions to national security or defense have been at the highest levels. Such officers have direct and ultimate responsibility for a major activity or program that significantly influences the policies of the U.S. Government. Only under the most unusual circumstances will the DDSM be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement. The DDSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally distinguished service and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period. C3.4.1.2.1. Normally, such broad responsibilities shall be held by only the most senior officers whose duties bring them into direct and frequent contact with the Secretary of Defense and the other senior officials within the Government. Examples of such positions are the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Chiefs and the Vice Chiefs of the Military Services, including the Commandant and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; and the CINCs and the Deputy CINCs of the Unified Combatant Commands. C3.4.1.2.2. The DDSM also may be awarded to other senior officers who serve in positions of great responsibility, or to an officer whose direct and individual contributions to national security or defense are recognized as being so exceptional in scope and value as to be equivalent to contributions normally associated with positions encompassing broader responsibilities. C3.4.1.3. The DDSM, as the highest Defense decoration, may only be awarded by the Secretary of Defense. Under no circumstances may the awarding authority be delegated. C3.4.1.4. The DDSM shall be placed in precedence after the MOH and the Distinguished Service Crosses of the Armed Forces, but before the Distinguished Service Medals of the Armed Forces. C3.4.1.5. All recommendations for award of the DDSM to members of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Unified Combatant Command Headquarters or activities reporting to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall be processed through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for recommendation. These recommendations shall not be boarded at the Joint Staff level. The Director, Joint Staff, for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall forward his recommendations to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, for boarding and processing. Recommendations should be submitted to arrive at the Joint Staff no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date. C3.4.1.6. All other recommendations for award of the DDSM shall be submitted to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), for boarding and processing. Recommendations should be submitted to the WHS no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date. C3.4.2. Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) C3.4.2.1. Authorized by E.O.11904 (reference (j)). C3.4.2.2. The DSSM shall be awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after February 6, 1976, rendered superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility. Only under the most unusual circumstances will DSSM be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement. The DSSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally superior service, and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period. C3.4.2.3. The DSSM shall be awarded only by the Secretary of Defense. C3.4.2.3.1. The Director, Joint Staff, for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been delegated approval or disapproval authority for Service members assigned to the Joint Staff, and those Service members assigned to Joint organizations. That authority may not be delegated further. C3.4.2.3.2. Approval or disapproval authority for all other qualifying Service members is delegated to the DA&M, OSD, for the ASD(FMP). That authority may not be further delegated. C3.4.2.4. The DSSM shall be placed in precedence after the MOH, the Distinguished Service Crosses of the Services, the DDSM, the Distinguished Service Medals of the Services, and the Silver Star, but before the Legion of Merit. C3.4.2.5. Recommendations approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be processed entirely by the Joint Staff. All other recommendations shall be forwarded to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, for processing. Recommendations should be submitted no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date. C3.4.3. Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) C3.4.3.1. Authorized by E.O. 12019 (reference (k)). C3.4.3.2. The DMSM shall only be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after November 3, 1977, distinguished themselves by noncombat meritorious achievement or service. Only under the most unusual circumstances will the DMSM be awarded as an impact award for outstanding TDY achievement. The DMSM is specifically intended to recognize exceptionally meritorious service performance and to honor an individual's accomplishments over a sustained period. C3.4.3.3. The DMSM shall be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense. C3.4.3.3.1. Authority to award the DMSM is hereby delegated to the following: C3.4.3.3.1.1. The DA&M for Service members assigned to the OSD; the DoD Field Activities; the joint DoD activities that report directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant or for which the Secretary of a Military Department has been designated as an "Executive Agent"; the multilateral and bilateral organizations; and the other offices in the Executive Branch, the Executive Agencies and Departments, or the independent establishments and Government corporations. (See "United States Government Manual 1987/88," (reference (l)).) C3.4.3.3.1.2. The Director, Joint Staff for Service members assigned to the Joint Staff and those Agencies and activities reporting directly to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that are not delegated approval authority for that decoration. C3.4.3.3.1.3. The Commanders in Chief of the Unified or Combined Commands, for Service members assigned to their respective Headquarters or joint activities directly under their operational control. They also may approve that award for the commander, his or her staff, and other Service members attached to a JTF as individuals (not as members of an assigned and/or attached unit). C3.4.3.3.1.4. The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic; the U.S. Representative to the Military Committee, NATO; the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission NATO; and the CINC, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), for Service members assigned in their respective headquarters or associated Agencies. C3.4.3.3.1.5. The Directors of Defense Agencies (except the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Defense Security Assistance Agency (DSAA)), for Service members assigned to their respective Agencies. C3.4.3.3.1.6. The Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, for U.S. Service members assigned to their headquarters or joint activities reporting directly to that command. C3.4.3.3.1.7. The President, National Defense University (NDU), for Service members assigned to the University, the National War College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. C3.4.3.3.1.8. The Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College, for Service members assigned to that College. C3.4.3.3.2. That authority may be delegated further at the discretion of the awarding authority to general or flag officers of the Armed Forces of the United States in the grade of O-7 or civilian equivalents when they occupy established command or staff positions. Such authority must be delegated in writing and documentation maintained indefinitely by the organization receiving the authority. C3.4.3.4. The DMSM shall take precedence after the DSSM, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal, but before the Military Services' Meritorious Service Medal. C3.4.3.5. Recommendations for the DMSM shall be submitted to the appropriate approval authority for processing. In those instances where the approval authority rests with the DA&M, OSD, or the Director, Joint Staff, the recommendation shall be submitted for processing to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, or the DJS no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date. C3.4.4. Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM) C3.4.4.1. Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, June 25, 1963. C3.4.4.2. The JSCM shall be awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after January 1, 1963, distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service. C3.4.4.3. The JSCM shall be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense. C3.4.4.3.1. Authority to award the JSCM is hereby delegated to the following: C3.4.4.3.1.1. The DA&M, OSD, or designee, for awards to Service members assigned to the OSD; the DoD Field Activities; the joint-DoD activities that report directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant or for which the Secretary of a Military Department has been designated as an "Executive Agent"; the multilateral and bilateral organizations; and the other offices in the Executive Branch, Executive Agencies and Departments, or independent establishments and Government corporations. (See "The United States Government Manual 1987/88" (reference (l)).) C3.4.4.3.1.2. The Director, Joint Staff, for Service members assigned to the Joint Staff and to those joint activities reporting directly to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Joint Staff, that are not delegated approval authority. C3.4.4.3.1.3. The CINCs of the Unified or Combined Commands for Service members assigned to their respective Headquarters or joint activities directly under their operational control. They also may approve that award for the commander, his or her staff, and other Service members attached to a JTF as individuals (not as members of an assigned and/or attached unit). C3.4.4.3.1.4. The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic; the U.S. Representative to the Military Committee, NATO; the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission NATO; and the CINC, NORAD, for Service members assigned their respective commands or associated Agencies. C3.4.4.3.1.5. The Directors of Defense Agencies (except the DARPA and the DSAA), for Service members assigned to their respective Agencies. C3.4.4.3.1.6. The Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, for Service members assigned to their headquarters and to those joint activities reporting directly to that command. C3.4.4.3.1.7. The President, NDU, for Service members assigned to the University, National War College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Armed Forces Staff College. C3.4.4.3.1.8. The Commandant, Armed Forces Staff College, for Service members assigned to the College. C3.4.4.3.1.9. The Executive Director, Military Postal Service Agency, for Service members assigned to his or her Agency. C3.4.4.3.1.10. The Commander, Military Entrance Processing Command. C3.4.4.3.2. That authority may be delegated further at the discretion of the awarding authority to general or flag officers of the Armed Forces of the United States in the grade of O-7 or civilian equivalent, when they occupy established command or staff positions. Such authority must be delegated in writing. C3.4.4.4. The JSCM shall take precedence with, but before, the Service Commendation Medals. A bronze "V" is authorized if the citation is for an act or service involving direct participation in combat operations during the period June 25, 1963 to March 31, 1976. Effective April 1, 1976, the "V" device is authorized if the citation is approved for valor (heroism) in a designated combat area. C3.4.4.5. Recommendations for the JSCM shall be submitted to the appropriate approval authority for processing. In those instances where the approval authority rests with the DA&M, OSD, or the Director, Joint Staff, the recommendation shall be submitted for processing to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, or the Joint Staff no later than 90 days before the desired presentation date. C3.4.5. Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) C3.4.5.1. Authorized by the Secretary of Defense, August 3, 1983. C3.4.5.2. The JSAM shall be awarded only to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of O-6 who, after August 3, 1983, distinguished themselves by outstanding performance of duty and meritorious achievement. C3.4.5.3. The JSAM shall be awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense. C3.4.5.3.1. Authority to award the JSAM is hereby delegated to the following: C3.4.5.3.1.1. The Secretary of Defense or the OSD Principal Staff Assistants for Service members assigned to either the OSD, the DoD Field Activities, or the joint DoD activities for which a Principal Staff Assistant has been designated "Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense." C3.4.5.3.1.2. The DA&M, OSD, or designee for Service members assigned to multilateral and bilateral organizations; and other offices with the Executive Branch, Executive Agencies and Departments, or independent establishments and Government corporations. (See "The United States Government Manual 1987/88" (reference (l)).) C3.4.5.3.1.3. The DJS, for Service members assigned to the Joint Staff and to the joint activities reporting directly to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that are not delegated approval authority for that decoration. C3.4.5.3.1.4. The CINCs of Unified or Combined Commands for Service members assigned to their respective Headquarters or joint activities directly under their operational control. They also may approve that award for the commander, his or her staff, and other Service members attached to a JTF as individuals (not as members of an assigned and/or attached unit). C3.4.5.3.1.5. The Supreme Allied Commander, Europe; the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic; the U.S. Representative to the NATO Military Committee; the Defense Advisor, U.S. Mission NATO; the CINC, NORAD; and the Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, for Service members assigned to their respective commands or Agencies, as reflected in joint manpower documents. C3.4.5.3.1.6. The Directors of Defense Agencies (except the DARPA and the DSAA) for Service members assigned to their respective Agencies. C3.4.5.3.1.7. The President, NDU, for Service members assigned to the University, the National War College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and the Armed Forces Staff College. C3.4.5.3.1.8. The Executive Director, Military Postal Service Agency, for Service members assigned to that activity. C3.4.5.3.1.9. The Secretary of a Military Department who has been designated previously as the "Executive Agent for a joint function" by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. C3.4.5.3.1.10. The Commander, Military Entrance Processing Command. C3.4.5.3.2. That authority may be delegated further in writing to an officer in the grade of O-6 in the Armed Forces of the United States or to a civilian of equivalent rank who is occupying an established command or staff position. C3.4.5.3.3. The authority to disapprove recommendations is given to officers with award authority. C3.4.5.4. The JSAM shall take precedence with, but before, the Achievement Medals of the Armed Forces. C3.4.5.5. Recommendations for the JSAM shall be submitted to the appropriate approval authority for processing. In those instances where the approval authority rests with the individuals specified in paragraphs C3.4.5.3.1.1. and C3.4.5.3.1.2., above, recommendations shall be submitted after approval to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS, for processing. Figure C3.F1. Sample Format for Award Recommendation MEMORANDUM FOR (approval authority) THROUGH: (if applicable) SUBJECT: Recommendation for Award of the (as applicable) Under the provisions of DoD 1348.33-M, (date), the following Service member is recommended for award of the (as applicable): a. (Grade, name, Service, and social security number.) b. (Organization of assignment.) c. (Title and duty assignment at the time of act or service. Include Service, Joint Manpower Program paragraph, and/or line number or Joint Duty Authorization List, number, as applicable). d. (Inclusive dates for which recommended.) e. Service member to be (reassigned permanent change of station on _____), (relieved from active duty on _______). (If presentation is desired at gaining activity provide forwarding address of the servicing military personnel office.) f. (If presentation is desired before departure, state required presentation date and provide complete mailing address. If the decoration, citation, and certificate are to be hand carried by a representative of the unit, provide name and telephone number of contact.) g. (Previous Defense awards and inclusive dates.) h. No other award for this Service member for this action is pending, and no previous award has been made for the act or service described herein. (It is the responsibility of the recommending official to ensure compliance with this policy.) Attached is a narrative description of (achievement performed or service rendered): Instructions: The narrative should be typewritten and should provide specific, factual, and concrete examples of exactly what the Service member did, how it was done, what benefits or results were realized, and why or how such benefits or results significantly exceeded superior performance of duty. (Signature of Recommending Official) Attachments - 3 1. Narrative 2. Citation 3. Supporting documentation (if appropriate) C4. CHAPTER 4 THE JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD C4.1. INTRODUCTION C4.1.1. Unit awards recognize entire organizations for outstanding heroism or achievement performed during periods of war, international tension, national emergencies, or extraordinary situations that involve national interests. They are not intended to recognize single, individual actions, or the actions of a sub-element of a unit or organization, but instead to acknowledge the combined efforts of every member of a unit or organization. C4.1.2. Appendix 2 describes the U.S. unit awards that have been authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States. Until 1981, the accomplishments of joint activities could only be recognized by Service unit awards. Due to the very nature of those activities and the varying criteria among the Services, it became necessary to establish a means by which joint activities could be recognized. With the JMUA, the Department of Defense provides a consistent means for recognizing such activities. C4.1.3. The JMUA, awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense, is intended to recognize joint units and activities for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected. The policies and procedures pertaining to that unique award are outlined in sections C4.2. through C4.8., below. C4.2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS C4.2.1. All joint units and activities (as defined in Chapter 1, paragraph C1.2.1.) are eligible for award of the JMUA in recognition of exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service. However, a unit or activity's outstanding accomplishment of its normally assigned and expected mission is not in and of itself sufficient justification for award approval. Instead, qualifying achievements must be superior to that which is expected under one of the following conditions and should be operational in nature. C4.2.1.1. During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States. C4.2.1.2. In a declared national emergency situation. C4.2.1.3. Under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests. C4.2.2. The JMUA shall not be awarded to any DoD activity that has received any other unit award for the same achievement or period of service. C4.2.3. Only those members of the Armed Forces of the United States who were present at the time and directly participated in the service or achievement for 30 days or more, or for the period cited if less than 30 days, shall be authorized to wear the JMUA ribbon. Members must be permanently assigned or attached by official orders to the joint unit receiving the JMUA. Local commanders may waive, on an individual basis, the 30-day minimum time requirement for individuals (e.g., Reserve personnel on active duty and TDY and/or TAD personnel), who, in the opinion of the commander contributed directly to the achievement cited, and were assigned on official orders to the awarded unit during the approved time frames. C4.2.4. A JTF headquarters may be awarded the JMUA. If a JTF headquarters is awarded the JMUA, every member permanently assigned or attached TDY or TAD to the JTF headquarters is eligible to wear the JMUA ribbon. Assigned and/or attached (including TDY and/or TAD) status is determined by official orders that specify the JTF headquarters as the duty unit. C4.2.5. Service units or individuals deployed in support of a JTF, but not assigned and/or attached to the JTF by official orders, are not eligible for the JMUA, even if they are under the operational control of the JTF. The Services may award appropriate Service unit awards to their units assigned and/or attached to a JTF. C4.3. PREPARATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS C4.3.1. Recommendation for the JMUA must be in narrative form (see Figure C4.F1., below). Minimally, the recommendation must include the following: C4.3.1.1. Name and location of unit, activity, or organization. C4.3.1.2. Inclusive dates for the award. C4.3.1.3. Citation. C4.3.1.4. A narrative justification containing specific and factual data about what the activity accomplished, how it was done, what the benefits or results were, and why or how the achievement or service significantly exceeded normal unit duty performance. The narrative justification shall not exceed three single-spaced typewritten pages. Supporting documents, as appropriate, may be attached. C4.3.1.5. A listing of qualifying Service members attached but not permanently assigned, detailing full name, rank and/or rate, social security number, branch of Service, and permanent unit at the time of the award period. That list must be sorted or grouped by branch of Service. C4.3.2. Award recommendations shall be endorsed by commanders at all levels. C4.4. SUBMISSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations for the JMUA shall be submitted through command channels, as follows: C4.4.1. Recommendations for joint activities that report directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant or to the Secretary of a Military Department, for which he or she has been designated the "Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense," shall be forwarded through those channels and to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, WHS. DA&M will forward a copy of the approval letter to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Manpower and Personnel Policy) (DASD(MPP)), Office of the ASD(FMP). C4.4.2. Recommendations for joint activities that report directly to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be forwarded to the Director, Joint Staff. C4.5. APPROVAL AUTHORITY The JMUA is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense; however, authority to award is delegated to the following: C4.5.1. The ASD(FMP), or designee, for activities that report directly to an OSD Principal Staff Assistant or for which the Secretary of a Military Department has been designated the "Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense." ASD(FMP) delegated authority to Director, Administration and Management, to approve or disapprove JMUA and grant exceptions to policy for award recommendations under the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum (reference (m)). C4.5.2. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or designee, for activities that report directly to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. C4.6. RECONSIDERATION A Member of Congress can request a review of a proposal for the award or presentation of a decoration (or the upgrading of a decoration) that is not authorized to be presented or awarded due to limitations established by law or policy for timely submission of a recommendation (reference (a)). C4.7. MANNER OF WEAR C4.7.1. The JMUA shall have precedence after the Presidential Unit Citation, but before the Military Service unit awards. C4.7.2. An oak-leaf cluster is authorized for wear for each additional award of the JMUA. C4.7.3. Civilians within an organization awarded the JMUA will be awarded a civilian JMUA lapel pin. C4.7.4. Streamers shall be obtained by the unit through normal supply channels. Eligible units of a JTF awarded the JMUA are authorized streamers in accordance with their Service's policies. C4.8. EXCEPTIONS TO POLICY Requests for exceptions to policies or determinations about eligibility for the JMUA shall be forwarded through appropriate command channels to the Chief, Military Personnel Division, Personnel and Security Directorate, WHS. WHS is authorized to approve, disapprove, and grant exceptions to policy for JMUA under the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum (reference (m)). The DJS has authority to grant exceptions for those units who report directly to, or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Disapproval of requests may be made at any level having an established command or staff position authorized in the grade of O-8. Figure C4.F1. Sample Format for JMUA Recommendation (Letterhead of Initiating Joint Activity) MEMORANDUM FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL DIVISION, PERSONNEL AND SECURITY DIRECTORATE, WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES, OR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF SUBJECT: Recommendation for Award of the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) Under the provisions of DoD 1348.33-M, the following DoD activity is recommended for award of the JMUA: a. Unit, activity, or organization. b. Location, such as installation, city, State, and country. c. Inclusive dates (YYMMDD) for which recommended. d. Previous JMUAs awarded to this DoD activity (inclusive dates (YYMMDD)). No other unit award is pending for this DoD activity regarding this action, and no unit award has been made previously for the achievement or service described herein. Attached is a narrative description of the achievement performed or service rendered: (Instructions: The narrative should be specific and factual, providing concrete examples of exactly what the recommended unit did, how it was done, what benefits or results were realized, and why or how the achievement or service significantly exceeded normal unit duty performance.) (Signature of Recommending Official) Attachments - 5 1. Narrative 2. Citation 3. Supporting Documentation (if required) 4. Service member listing (IAW paragraph C4.3.1.5., above) 5. Eligible ships and/or subordinate units (if required) Figure C4.F2. Sample Citation - JMUA SAMPLE CITATION Department of Defense Seal CITATION To Accompany the Award of the JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD to the (unit, activity, or organization) The (unit, activity, or organization) distinguished itself by exceptionally meritorious (achievement or service) from (inclusive dates (YYMMDD)). During this period. . . (Instructions: Prepare in smooth form, limiting the body of the citation to 16 double-spaced typewritten lines. If it is necessary to extend the citation beyond 16 lines, single spacing shall be acceptable. Leave a 1/2-inch space above the seal line so that the seal can be affixed to the citation. The body of the citation shall be straightforward in style, with short, simple, direct, and accurate facts. The narrative must be unclassified.) By their exemplary performance of duty, the members of the (unit, activity, or organization) have brought great credit to themselves and to the Department of Defense. C5. CHAPTER 5 U.S. NON-MILITARY DECORATIONS C5.1. PURPOSE The purpose of this Chapter is to furnish policy guidance to the Military Departments about the recognition and wearing of U.S. non-military decorations. C5.2. POLICY C5.2.1. Members of civilian groups recognized under Section 1123, title 10, U.S.C. (reference (n)) shall not receive military decorations if the recognized group had a civilian system of decorations. Such civilian decorations are considered by the Department of Defense as equivalent to military awards that would have been issued to military members for similar acts, achievements, or periods of service. That policy conforms to DoD guidance that prevents multiple awards for the same acts, achievements, or periods of service. (See Chapter 3, paragraph C3.2.10., above.) C5.2.2. Members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are authorized to accept and wear U.S. non-military decorations shall observe the following when wearing such decorations or the ribbons symbolic, thereof: C5.2.2.1. U.S. non-military decorations shall be worn immediately following U.S. military decorations and preceding service medals. C5.2.2.2. Normally, when a Service member has been awarded and is authorized to wear more than one U.S. non-military decoration, such decorations shall be worn in the order of date of acceptance. However, there are two exceptions to that policy. For members of the Military Services, when two or more decorations from the same Agency are worn, the order shall be in accordance with the precedence established by the awarding Agency regardless of date of acceptance. For members of the U.S. Coast Guard, precedence for all U.S. non-military decorations shall be determined by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. C5.2.2.3. No U.S. non-military decoration shall be worn on the Service member's uniform, unless at least one U.S. military decoration or service medal is worn at the same time. C6. CHAPTER 6 DoD SERVICE MEDALS C6.1. INTRODUCTION C6.1.1. Service medals, campaign medals, and service ribbons denote participation by a Service member in a campaign, war, national emergency, expedition, or the fulfillment of specified Service requirements in a creditable manner. Those awards take precedence immediately after non-military decorations and are normally worn in the order earned. However, actual precedence varies depending on the Service member's branch of Military Service. Appendix 4 describes all the U.S. service medals, campaign medals, and service ribbons that have been authorized for the Armed Forces of the United States. C6.1.2. Since World War II, there have been over 100 service medals, campaign medals, and service ribbons authorized. In most instances, the Military Services control the policies as they pertain to their Service members. However, there are nine service medals that are considered Defense service awards and, as such, the policies fall under the purview of the ASD(FMP). Those service awards are as follows: C6.1.2.1. Prisoner of War Medal. C6.1.2.2. National Defense Service Medal. C6.1.2.3. Antarctica Service Medal. C6.1.2.4. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. C6.1.2.5. Vietnam Service Medal. C6.1.2.7. Armed Forces Service Medal. C6.1.2.8. Humanitarian Service Medal. C6.1.2.9. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. C6.1.3. Policies and procedures for non-Defense service awards and their appurtenances are determined by the Secretary concerned and, as such, appropriate Military Service regulations should be consulted in determining a Service member's entitlement to a particular award. C6.2. PRISONER OF WAR (POW) MEDAL C6.2.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.2.1.1. Authorized by Section 1128 of title 10, U.S.C. (reference (o)). C6.2.1.2. Authorized for any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after April 5, 1917. C6.2.1.2.1. Civilians and Foreign Nationals. The POW Medal shall be issued only to U.S. and foreign civilians who have received credit for U.S. military service, as determined by the DoD Civilian and/or Military Service Review Board and Advisory Board under DoD Directive 1000.20 (reference (p)). The period of creditable military service must include the period of captivity from date of capture through date of release. While no minimum time period of captivity exists as eligibility criteria for the POW Medal, the Services should determine each case on its merits using the language in 10 U.S.C. and the Secretary of Defense Memoranda (references (e), (f) and (q)). The Secretary of Defense authorized on January 27, 1990, the POW Medal for the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Recognized Guerrilla Unit Veterans who were held captive between December 7, 1941 and September 26, 1945. C6.2.1.2.2. Missing in Action. The POW Medal only shall be issued to the legal next-of-kin (NOK) of military personnel or civilians who have received credit for U.S. Military Service and whose POW status officially has been confirmed and recognized as such by the Military Departments. The NOK of persons listed as "missing, but for whom there is no evidence of having been a POW" shall not be issued the POW Medal. Return of remains, in and of itself, does not constitute evidence of POW status. The NOK of the POWs who die in captivity may be issued the POW Medal irrespective of the length of the captivity period. C6.2.1.2.3. Hostages, Detainees, and Internees. The POW Medal shall be issued only to those taken prisoner by foreign armed forces that are hostile to the United States, under circumstances which the Secretary concerned finds to have been comparable to those under which persons have generally been held captive by enemy armed forces during periods of armed conflict. For that medal, armed conflicts are defined as "World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam Era and Southwest Asia Conflict." C6.2.1.3. Character of Service. Any person convicted by a U.S. military tribunal of misconduct or a criminal charge or whose discharge is less than honorable based on actions while a POW is ineligible for the medal. The POWs whose conduct was not in accord with the Code of Conduct and whose actions are documented by U.S. military records, are ineligible for the medal. Resolution of questionable cases shall be the responsibility of the Secretaries concerned. C6.2.2. Subsequent Awards. No more than one POW Medal shall be awarded. For subsequent acts justifying award of the medal, service stars shall be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. A period of captivity terminates on return to U.S. military control. Escapees who do not return to U.S. military control and are recaptured by an enemy do not begin a new period of captivity for subsequent award of the POW Medal. C6.2.3. Presentation. While service medals (unlike decorations for valor, meritorious achievement, and service) are not normally presented in formal military ceremonies, military representatives of the Active and Reserve components may participate in POW Medal presentation ceremonies, if requested, under guidance and procedures issued by the Secretaries of the Military Departments. Additionally, veterans organizations, former POW associations, public officials, etc., may receive and present the medal to former POWs or their NOK. Engraving of the POW Medal, if desired, shall be at the expense of the recipient. C6.2.4. Manner of Wearing. Section 1128 of title 10, U.S.C., "Prisoner-of-War Medal: Issue," (reference (o)) establishing the POW Medal specifies that it shall be displayed immediately following decorations awarded for individual heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service, and before any other service medal, campaign medal, or service ribbon authorized to be displayed. To ensure consistency among the Services, the POW Medal shall be placed ahead of the Good Conduct Medal in the order of precedence. C6.2.5. Posthumous Awards. The POW Medal may be awarded posthumously and, when so directed, may be presented to such representatives of the deceased as the Secretary concerned considers appropriate. C6.2.6. Procedures for Issuing the POW Medal. The Military Departments shall receive requests for, and issue, the POW Medal to eligible individuals or their NOK, as follows: C6.2.6.1. All requests for the POW Medal will be initiated by eligible former POWs, or their NOK, using a personal letter addressed to the appropriate Service Records Center located at 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5199. C6.2.6.2. Veterans organizations, former POW associations, public officials, etc., may receive requests for the medal from former POWs, or their NOK, and forward them to the appropriate Service Records Center. Such organizations and/or individuals would agree to receive the medals and subsequently present, or forward, them to the requester. C6.2.6.3. After verification of POW status and character of service of the former POW, the medal shall be forwarded through mail in accordance with the desires of the requester (directly to the requester or to a third party for presentation). A cover letter explaining the background and symbolism of the medal shall accompany the medal. C6.2.6.4. The Services shall issue the medal to eligible active duty former POWs and reflect the award in appropriate records. C6.3. NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (NDSM) C6.3.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.3.1.1. Authorized by E.O. 10448 and the Secretary of Defense Memorandum (references (r) and (s)). C6.3.1.1.1. Honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States for any period between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954, or between January 1, 1961 and August 14, 1974. During those periods, Service members in the following categories shall NOT be eligible for the NDSM: C6.3.1.1.1.1. Members of the Guard and Reserve Forces on short tours of active duty to fulfill training obligations under an inactive duty training program. C6.3.1.1.1.2. Any Service member on TDY or TAD to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and similar organizations. C6.3.1.1.1.3. Any Service member on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination. C6.3.1.1.2. Honorable service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States for any period between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995. Service members on active duty, members of the Selected Reserve in good standing, and members of other than the Selected Reserve who were called to active duty shall also be eligible. During that period, Service members in the following categories shall NOT be considered eligible: C6.3.1.1.2.1. Any Service member on active duty for the sole purpose of undergoing a physical examination. C6.3.1.1.2.2. Any member of the Individual Ready Reserve, the Inactive National Guard or the Standby or Retired Reserve whose active duty service was for training only, or to serve on boards, courts, commissions, and similar organizations. C6.3.1.2. Exceptions to policy criteria in paragraphs C6.3.1.1.1. and C6.3.1.1.2., above, may be granted by the Military Departments. C6.3.1.3. Notwithstanding these limitations, any member of the United States Coast Guard or the Reserve or Guard Forces of the Armed Forces who, between January 1, 1961 and August 14, 1974, became eligible for award of either the AFEM or the Vietnam Service Medal or between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995, became eligible for award of the Southwest Asia Service Medal shall be eligible for award of the NDSM. C6.3.2. Subsequent Award. A bronze service star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the NDSM by Service members who earned the medal during two different periods of eligibility (e.g., during the period 1961 through 1974, and during the period 1990 through 1995). C6.3.3. Posthumous Awards. The NDSM may be awarded posthumously. C6.4. ANTARCTICA SERVICE MEDAL C6.4.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.4.1.1. Any person who, from January 2, 1946, to a date to be announced, meets any of the following qualifications shall be eligible to receive the Antarctica Service Medal: (For that award, Antarctica is defined as the "area south of latitude 60S." The Antarctica Service Medal is authorized by DoD Instruction 1348.9, "Antarctica Service Medal," (reference (t)).) C6.4.1.1.1. Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, U.S. citizen, or resident alien of the United States, who as a member of a U.S. expedition, participates in or has participated in scientific, direct support, or exploratory operations in Antarctica. C6.4.1.1.2. Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, U.S. citizen, or resident alien of the United States, who participates in or has participated in a foreign Antarctic expedition in Antarctica in coordination with a U.S. expedition and who is or was under the sponsorship and approval of competent U.S. Government authority. C6.4.1.1.3. Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who participates in, or has participated in, flights as a member of the crew of an aircraft flying to or from the Antarctic continent in support of operations in Antarctica. C6.4.1.1.4. Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States, U.S. citizen, or resident alien of the United States who serves or has served in a U.S. ship operating south of latitude 60S in support of U.S. programs in Antarctica. C6.4.1.1.5. Any person, including citizens of foreign nations, not fulfilling the qualifications under paragraphs C6.4.1.1.1. through C6.4.1.1.4., above, or paragraph C6.4.1.2., below, but who participates in or has participated in a U.S. Antarctic expedition in Antarctica at the invitation of a participating U.S. Agency may be given the award by the Secretary of the Department under whose cognizance the expedition falls, provided the commander of the military support force, as senior U.S. representative in Antarctica, considers that the member has performed outstanding and exceptional service and shared the hardships and hazards of the expedition. C6.4.1.2. Subsequent to June 1, 1973, minimum time limit for award is 30 days under competent orders to duty at sea or ashore, south of latitude 60S. Individuals assigned to duty at an outlying station on the Antarctic continent may qualify for the award after 15 days. Effective July 1, 1987, flight crews of aircraft providing logistics support from outside the Antarctic area may qualify for the award after 15 missions (one flight in and out during any 24-hour period equals one mission). The days do not have to be consecutive. C6.4.2. Subsequent Awards. No Service member shall be authorized to receive more than one Antarctica Service Medal. Subsequent awards shall be denoted by wearing of appropriate devices on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. C6.4.3. Devices C6.4.3.1. Clasps. Personnel who stay on the Antarctic continent during the winter months shall be eligible to wear a bronze clasp with the words "Wintered Over" on the suspension ribbon of the medal. A gold clasp is authorized for the second wintering-over period, and a silver clasp is worn to denote the third or subsequent wintering-over period. Not more than one clasp shall be worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal. C6.4.3.2. Disk. The first wintering-over eligibility shall be denoted by a bronze disk worn on the service ribbon of the medal. A gold disk shall represent the second wintering-over period. A silver disk shall represent the third or subsequent wintering-over period. No more than one disk may be worn on the service ribbon. C6.4.4. Manner of Wearing. The Antarctica Service Medal shall take precedence immediately after the Korean Service Medal. C6.4.5. Posthumous Awards. The Antarctica Service Medal may be awarded posthumously. C6.5. ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL (AFEM) C6.5.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.5.1.1. Personnel Eligible. The AFEM, authorized by E.O. 10977 (reference (u)), may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who after July 1, 1958: C6.5.1.1.1. Participate, or have participated, as members of U.S. military units in a U.S. military operation in which Service members of any Military Department participate, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in significant numbers. C6.5.1.1.2. Encounter during such participation foreign armed opposition, or are otherwise placed, or have been placed, in such position that, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though it did not materialize. C6.5.1.2. Categories of Operations. The AFEM may be authorized for the following three categories of operations: C6.5.1.2.1. U.S. military operations. C6.5.1.2.2. U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations (U.N.). C6.5.1.2.3. U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations. C6.5.1.3. Definitions C6.5.1.3.1. The "area of operations" is defined as follows: C6.5.1.3.1.1. The foreign territory on which troops have actually landed or are present and specifically deployed for the direct support of the designated military operation. C6.5.1.3.1.2. Adjacent water areas in which ships are operating, patrolling, or providing direct support of operations. C6.5.1.3.1.3. The air space above and adjacent to the area in which operations are being conducted. C6.5.1.3.2. "Direct support" is defined as services being supplied to the combat forces in the area of operations by ground units, ships, and aircraft provided it involves actually entering the designated area. That includes ships and aircraft providing fire, patrol, guard, reconnaissance, or other military support. C6.5.1.4. Degree of Participation. Service members must be bona fide members of a unit engaged in the operation or meet one or more of the following criteria: C6.5.1.4.1. Be engaged in direct support for 30 consecutive days in the area of operations (or for the full period when an operation is less than 30 days duration) or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of operations. C6.5.1.4.2. Be engaged in actual combat, or duty that is equally as hazardous as combat duty, during the operation with armed opposition, regardless of time in the area. C6.5.1.4.3. Participate as a regularly assigned crew member of an aircraft flying into, out of, within, or over the area in support of the military operations. C6.5.1.5. Limitations on Awarding Medals. The medal shall be awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign medal is approved. However, this does not prevent award eligibility for subsequent on-going operations if the associated campaign medal has been terminated. No individual shall be eligible for both the AFEM and a campaign medal awarded during a single tour in the designated operation. For operations in which personnel of only one Military Department participate, the medal shall be awarded only if there is no other suitable award available to that Department. The military service of the Service member on which qualification for the award of the AFEM is based shall have been honorable. C6.5.1.6. Election of the AFEM or Vietnam Service Medal. Service members who earned the AFEM for service in Vietnam between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965, may elect to receive the Vietnam Service Medal instead of the AFEM. However, no Service member may be issued both medals for service in Vietnam. C6.5.1.7. Wear of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) and Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM). Service members who earned the SWASM and subsequently become eligible at any time for the Operation SOUTHERN WATCH AFEM may wear both awards, with the exception of those who become eligible for both awards during one tour in Southwest Asia (SWA). Service members who become eligible for both awards during their initial tour in SWA may elect to receive either the SWASM or the AFEM, but may not be issued both medals for a single tour in SWA. Service members who become eligible for both awards during their initial tour in SWA and elect to receive the SWASM may be awarded the AFEM for participation in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH during a subsequent tour in SWA under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Memorandum (reference (v)). C6.5.2. Approval of Operations. Subsequent to July 1, 1958, the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall designate U.S. military operations that qualify for the AFEM, and they shall specify the degree of participation in designated operations warranting award of the medal. Appendix 5 identifies those operations that have been approved by the Joint Chiefs of Staff for award of the AFEM. C6.5.3. Subsequent Awards. No more than one medal shall be awarded to any one Service member. For each succeeding operation justifying such awards, a service star shall be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. C6.5.4. Manner of Wearing. The AFEM shall take precedence immediately after the Antarctica Service Medal. C6.5.5. Posthumous Awards. The AFEM may be awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased, as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary concerned. C6.6. VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL C6.6.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.6.1.1. General C6.6.1.1.1. Authorized by E.O.11231 (reference (w)). C6.6.1.1.2. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving at any time between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam, its contiguous waters, or airspace, thereover. C6.6.1.1.3. Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving at any time between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia, or the airspaces, thereover, and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. C6.6.1.1.4. Service members qualified for the AFEM by reasons of service between July 1, 1958 and July 3, 1965, in an area for which the Vietnam Service Medal was authorized subsequently shall remain qualified for that medal. Upon application, any such Service member may be awarded the Vietnam Service Medal instead of the AFEM for such service. However, no Service member shall be entitled to both awards. C6.6.1.1.5. For that award, Vietnam and the contiguous waters are defined as "from a point on the east coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with China southeastward to 21 degrees N. latitude, 108 degrees, 15 minutes E. longitude; thence, southward to 18 degrees N. latitude, 108 degrees, 15 minutes E. longitude; thence southeastward to 17 degrees, 30 minutes N. latitude, 111 degrees E. longitude; thence, southward to 11 degrees N. latitude, 111 degrees E. longitude; thence, southwestward to 7 degrees N. latitude, 105 degrees E. longitude; thence, westward to 7 degrees N. latitude, 103 degrees E. longitude; thence, northward to 9 degrees, 30 minutes N. latitude, 103 degrees E. longitude; thence, northeastward to 10 degrees, 15 minutes N. latitude, 104 degrees, 27 minutes E. longitude; thence, northward to a point on the west coast of Vietnam at the juncture of Vietnam with Cambodia." C6.6.1.2. Specific C6.6.1.2.1. Personnel Eligible. To be eligible a Service member must be as follows: C6.6.1.2.1.1. Attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days with an organization participating in or directly supporting ground (military) operations. C6.6.1.2.1.2. Attached to or regularly serving for one, or more, days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations. C6.6.1.2.1.3. Actually participate as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations. C6.6.1.2.1.4. Serve on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for personnel participating in actual combat operations. C6.6.1.2.2. Limitation on Medal. The medal shall be awarded only for operations for which no other U.S. campaign medal is approved. No Service member may be issued both the Vietnam Service Medal and the AFEM for service in Vietnam, and furthermore they shall be entitled to no more than one award of the Vietnam Service Medal. C6.6.2. Stars. A bronze service star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Vietnam Service Medal for the Service member's participation during the approved campaign periods. Appendix 6 identifies those campaigns that have been approved. C6.6.3. Posthumous Awards. The Vietnam Service Medal may be awarded posthumously. C6.7. SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE MEDAL (SWASM) C6.7.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.7.1.1. General C6.7.1.1.1. Authorized by E.O. 12754 (reference (x)). C6.7.1.1.2. Individuals authorized that award must have served in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD or DESERT STORM in one or more of the following areas from August 2, 1990 through November 30, 1995: the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 100 N. latitude and west 680 E. longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. C6.7.1.1.3. Individuals serving in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including the airspace and territorial waters) directly supporting combat operations from January 17, 1991 through November 30, 1995 shall also be eligible for award of the medal. C6.7.1.2. Specific. To be eligible, a Service member must be: C6.7.1.2.1. Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days with an organization participating in ground and/or shore (military) operations. C6.7.1.2.2. Attached to or regularly serving for one or more days aboard a naval vessel directly supporting military operations. C6.7.1.2.3. Actually participating as a crew member in one or more aerial flights directly supporting military operations in the areas designated in paragraph C6.7.1.1.2., above. C6.7.1.2.4. Serving on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days. Those time limitations may be waived for people participating in actual combat operations. C6.7.2. Awarding C6.7.2.1. The Southwest Asia Service Medal may be awarded posthumously. C6.7.2.2. Each Military Department may grant exceptions to the eligibility criteria outlined in paragraph C6.8.1.2., below, and shall prescribe appropriate regulations for administrative processing, awarding and wearing of the Southwest Asia Service Medal, ribbon, and appurtenances. C6.7.3. Stars. One bronze service star shall be worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the Southwest Asia Service Medal for participation in each campaign period (i.e., an individual who participated in one campaign would wear the medal and/or service ribbon with one star). The first campaign period is designated as the "Defense of Saudi Arabia" with corresponding dates of August 2, 1990 through January 16, 1991. The second campaign is designated "Liberation and Defense of Kuwait" from January 17, 1991 to April 11, 1991. The third and final campaign, is designated the "Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign," and extends from April 12, 1991 through November 30, 1995. Service members eligible for the SWASM based on participation in Operation PROVIDE COMFORT will wear the medal and service ribbon with star. C6.8. ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM) C6.8.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.8.1.1. General. The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM), authorized by E.O. 12985 (reference (y)), may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, after June 1, 1992: C6.8.1.1.1. Participate, or have participated, as members of United States military units, in a United States military operation that is deemed to be a significant activity; and C6.8.1.1.2. Encounter no foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action. C6.8.1.2. Specific. Service members must be members of a unit participating for 1 or more days in the operation within the designated area of eligibility, or meet one or more of the following criteria: C6.8.1.2.1. Be engaged in direct support for 30 consecutive days in the area of eligibility (or for the full period when an operation is of less than 30 days duration) or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of eligibility. C6.8.1.2.2. Participate as a regularly assigned crew member of an aircraft flying into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in support of the operation. C6.8.1.3. Qualifying Operations C6.8.1.3.1. The AFSM may be authorized for significant United States military activities for which no other United States campaign or service medal is appropriate, such as: C6.8.1.3.1.1. Peacekeeping operations. C6.8.1.3.1.2. Prolonged humanitarian operations. C6.8.1.3.2. The AFSM may be awarded for United States military operations in direct support of the United Nations (U.N.) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and for operations of assistance to friendly foreign nations. C6.8.1.4. Guidelines C6.8.1.4.1. The AFSM provides recognition to participants who deploy to the designated area of eligibility for the qualifying operation. Outstanding or meritorious performance of non-deployed or remotely located support units and individuals is not justification for award of the AFSM. Such performance may be recognized by appropriate unit and/or individual decorations. C6.8.1.4.2. Because the AFSM may be awarded for a prolonged humanitarian operation, distinction between the AFSM and the Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM) must be maintained. C6.8.1.4.2.1. The HSM is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The HSM is only awarded for service during the identified "period of immediate relief" eligibility for the HSM terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an "established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition." C6.8.1.4.2.2. The AFSM is a theater award, authorized for presentation to all participants who meet eligibility requirements established for a designated operation. C6.8.1.4.2.3. For operations in which all deployed participants are awarded the HSM and for which the "period of immediate relief" coincides with the duration of significant deployed operations, award of the AFSM is not authorized. C6.8.1.4.2.4. Humanitarian operations for which some (or all) participants are awarded the HSM, which continue beyond the "period of immediate relief." C6.8.1.5. Definitions C6.8.1.5.1. "Significant activity" is defined as a United States military operation considered to be of such a high degree of scope, impact, and national or international significance as to warrant the permanent commemoration and recognition afforded by award of a campaign or service medal. C6.8.1.5.2. "Area of eligibility" is defined as follows: C6.8.1.5.2.1. The foreign territory on which troops have actually landed or are present and specifically deployed for the operation. C6.8.1.5.2.2. Adjacent water areas in which ships are operating, patrolling, or providing direct support of the operation. C6.8.1.5.2.3. The air space above and adjacent to the area in which operations are being conducted. C6.8.1.5.3. "Direct support" is defined as services being supplied to participating forces in the area of eligibility by ground units, ships, and aircraft provided it involves actually entering the designated area of eligibility. This includes units, ships, and aircraft providing logistic, patrol, guard, reconnaissance, or other military support within the designated area of eligibility. C6.8.1.6. Limitations on Awarding Medals C6.8.1.6.1. AFSM shall be awarded only for operations for which no other United States campaign or service medal is approved. C6.8.1.6.2. For operations in which personnel of only one Military Department participate, the AFSM shall be awarded only if there is no other suitable award available to that Department. C6.8.1.6.3. The military service of the Service member on which qualification for the award of the AFSM is based shall have been honorable. C6.8.1.6.4. Award of the AFSM is not authorized for participation in national or international exercises. C6.8.1.6.5. The AFSM shall not be awarded for NATO or U.N. operations not involving significant, concurrent United States military support operations. C6.8.2. Approval and Designation of Area of Eligibility. The Joint Chiefs of Staff shall designate United States military operations subsequent to June 1, 1992 that qualify for the AFSM. C6.8.3. Subsequent Awards. No more than one medal shall be awarded to any one Service member. Second and subsequent awards will be denoted by 3/16-inch bronze service stars. A 3/16-inch silver star will be worn instead of 5 bronze stars. C6.8.4. Manner of Wearing. The AFSM shall take precedence immediately before the Humanitarian Service Medal. C6.8.5. Posthumous Awards. The AFSM may be awarded posthumously and, when so awarded, may be presented to such representative of the deceased as may be deemed appropriate by the Secretary concerned. C6.9. HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL (HSM) C6.9.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.9.1.1. General. The Humanitarian Service Medal, authorized by E.O. 11965 (reference (z)), may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their Reserve components who, subsequent to April 1, 1975, distinguished themselves as individuals or as members of U.S. military units or ships by meritorious, direct participation in a significant military act, or operation of a humanitarian nature. Direct participation is defined as being physically present at the designated location, having directly contributed to and influenced the action. Designated location is the immediate site(s) of the humanitarian operations as defined by the Presidential request for assistance in the United States or the Department of State (DOS) for overseas areas. When appropriate, the local commander in his or her recommendation may propose specific clarification of designated boundaries based on the intent of the Presidential or Department of State request. Specifically excluded from eligibility are Service members or elements remaining at geographically separated locations or who were assigned to the location but did not make a direct contribution to nor influenced the action. Award of the Humanitarian Service Medal does not prevent or conflict with other medals or ribbons awarded on the basis of unit achievement, or of individual valor, achievement, or meritorious service. No Service member shall be entitled to more than one award of the Humanitarian Service Medal for participation in the same military act or operation of a humanitarian nature. C6.9.1.2. Specific. The following types of military acts or operations may qualify for award of the Humanitarian Service Medal: C6.9.1.2.1. Significant assistance in the event of national or international disasters, natural or man-made, such as, but not limited to, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, typhoons, or conflagrations. C6.9.1.2.2. Relief to a starvation area. C6.9.1.2.3. Evacuation of personnel from an area threatened by a hostile force. C6.9.1.2.4. Support or resettlement of refugees or evacuees. C6.9.1.2.5. Other significant military activities, directly related to humanitarian service, as designated in Military Service regulations. These must be above and beyond routine actions. For example, normal Search and Rescue (SAR) operations conducted by specially trained SAR units would not be eligible for HSM consideration. Similarly, in accordance with the laws and traditions of the seas, the rescue of stricken vessels by naval units would not normally be eligible. C6.9.1.2.6. Acts or operations of a similar nature, as determined by the award approval authority. C6.9.1.3. Guidelines. Services rendered in the act or operation being considered must meet the following criteria: C6.9.1.3.1. Be of a major significance. C6.9.1.3.2. Provide immediate relief, relieve human suffering, and should save lives (property may be a factor). C6.9.1.3.3. Must have affected the outcome of the situation (non-action could produce definite consequences). C6.9.1.3.4. Must have specific dates and must be restricted to the period of "immediate relief." Periods beyond immediate relief are considered established ongoing operations beyond the initial emergency conditions and these periods are no longer eligible for the Humanitarian Service Medal. C6.9.1.3.5. Must have evidence that the emergency assistance was: C6.9.1.3.5.1. Requested by the President of the United States for assistance in the United States (such as, Presidential Emergency Declaration or established contingency plans issued under Presidential authority). C6.9.1.3.5.2. Requested by the DOS for overseas areas. C6.9.1.4. Exclusions. The Humanitarian Service Medal may not be awarded for services rendered in domestic disturbances involving law enforcement, equal rights demonstrations, or protection of properties. C6.9.2. Submission of Recommendations C6.9.2.1. Recommendations for the Humanitarian Service Medal originating within a Defense Agency shall be forwarded through appropriate command and staff channels, to include the responsible OSD Principal Staff Assistant, to DASD(MPP). C6.9.2.2. Recommendations for the Humanitarian Service Medal originating within a Military Service shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Military Department concerned. C6.9.2.3. Recommendations for Humanitarian Service Medal involving the Unified Combatant Commands shall be submitted to the DJS. C6.9.2.4. Recommendations for the Humanitarian Service Medal involving U.S. Coast Guard units or personnel shall be submitted to the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. C6.9.2.5. When multi-Service participation is involved, an information copy of the recommendation shall be sent to the Secretary of the Military Department of the Service members involved. C6.9.2.6. Recommendations must be entered into command channels in two years of the military act or operation to be recognized. C6.9.2.7. Upon approval of the recommendation, the award authority shall direct the command authority, who is an officer in the grade of O-6 or a civilian of equivalent rank, to ensure the action of a Service Record entry and award of the medal to the participating individuals. In the case of multi-Service participation, commanders must ensure the personnel servicing centers of all Service members who participated are informed of action required. C6.9.3. Recommendations. Recommendations for the Humanitarian Service Medal must include the following: C6.9.3.1. A written justification fully explaining and attesting to the humanitarian aspects of the services rendered by Service members in the act or operation being recommended. The Humanitarian Service Medal is an INDIVIDUAL award. As such, only those individuals who meet the specific requirements and guidelines in paragraph C6.9.1., above, shall be eligible for award of the Humanitarian Service Medal. C6.9.3.2. Forwarding endorsements that make specific recommendations for approval or disapproval. C6.9.3.3. Endorsement of the CINC having authority and/or responsibility for the affected area of responsibility outside the Continental United States. C6.9.3.4. Documentation of the Presidential or the DoS for assistance. C6.9.4. Award Approval Authority C6.9.4.1. Award of the Humanitarian Service Medal for the DoD Components shall be authorized by the Military Service Secretaries, DASD(MPP), and the DJS (for organizations reporting to or through Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff) for the Secretary of Defense, and that authority may be further delegated. The Secretary of Transportation has delegated approval authority to the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, and that authority may not be further delegated. C6.9.4.2. Once the recommendation of an operation or action has been authorized, determination of individual eligibility may be delegated to such level of the operational or administrative chain of command as deemed appropriate by the approval authority. Such authority shall not be delegated below the level of O-6 command or civilian equivalent. It is the prerogative of the service centers to determine the need for recordkeeping, such as name lists. Commanders receiving the eligibility delegation must ensure the personnel servicing centers of all participating Service members are informed of the required action. This is true particularly when multi-Service participation occurs. C6.9.4.3. Authority to disapprove recommendations for award of the Humanitarian Service Medal for noncompliance with established criteria contained in this Manual is hereby delegated to the CINCs. C6.9.5. Eligible Operations. See Appendix 7 for those acts or operations that have been approved by the Department of Defense for award of the Humanitarian Service Medal. C6.9.6. Subsequent Awards. No more than one Humanitarian Service Medal shall be awarded to any Service member. For subsequent acts or operations justifying award of the medal, service stars shall be awarded and worn on the suspension and service ribbon of the medal. C6.9.7. Manner of Wearing. The Humanitarian Service Medal shall be worn immediately after the Armed Forces Service Medal. C6.9.8. Posthumous Awards. The Humanitarian Service Medal may be awarded posthumously and, when so directed, may be presented to such representatives of the deceased as the Secretary concerned or the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, considers appropriate. C6.10. MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL (MOVSM) C6.10.1. Eligibility Requirements C6.10.1.1. General. The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), authorized by E.O. 12830 (reference (aa)), may be awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces and their Reserve components, who subsequent to December 31, 1992, perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature. C6.10.1.2. Specific. To qualify for award of the MOVSM, a Service member volunteer service must: C6.10.1.2.1. Be to the civilian community, to include the military family community. C6.10.1.2.2. Be significant in nature and produce tangible results. C6.10.1.2.3. Reflect favorably on the Service member's Military Department and the Department of Defense. C6.10.1.2.4. Be of a sustained and direct nature. C6.10.1.3. Guidelines C6.10.1.3.1. While there is no specific time period to qualify for the MOVSM (for example 500 hours of community service within 24 calendar months), approval authorities shall ensure the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by this medal. The MOVSM is intended to recognize exceptional community support over time, not a single act or achievement. Further, it is intended to honor direct support of community activities. For the purpose of this award, attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group is not considered qualifying service, while manning a community crisis action telephone line for a sustained period of time is considered qualifying service. The overall level of volunteer participation and impact of an individual's community service is key to determining whether award of the MOVSM is justified. C6.10.1.3.2. The MOVSM recognizes service provided to a community over time, therefore multiple awards of the MOVSM during a single tour of duty are not authorized. However, a sustained record of significant community service performed during successive tours may be considered by approval authorities when adjudicating recommendations for award of the MOVSM. C6.10.1.3.3. Service recognized by award of the MOVSM shall be of a voluntary nature, not detailed or tasked, nor performed as part of a military mission (for example, a unit project). C6.10.1.4. Approval Authority. Award of the MOVSM may be approved by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy, the Secretaries of the Military Departments, and the Director of the Joint Staff (for joint commands or organizations that report to or through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). That authority may be further delegated to commanders authorized to award their Service Achievement Medal under the ASD(FMP) Memorandum (reference (bb)). C6.10.1.5. Manner of Wearing. The MOVSM shall take precedence immediately after the Humanitarian Service Medal. C6.10.1.6. The Secretaries of the Military Departments and the Director of the Joint Staff shall establish procedures to ensure compliance with this MOVSM policy as required. (Provide data for each community activity supported. No more than one activity is required.) Figure C6.F1. Sample Format - MOVSM Nomination OPTIONAL NOMINATION FORMAT MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS SERVICE MEDAL I. NOMINEE'S NAME GRADE SSAN SERVICE UNIT SERVICING MIL PERS OFFICE II. PERIOD FOR WHICH NOMINATED _____________________ III. DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE (Provide data for each community activity supported. No more than one activity is required.) A. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY NAME ADDRESS PHONE POINT OF CONTACT 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MISSION AND POPULATION SERVED 2. PERIOD OF SERVICE ____________________ 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SERVICE RENDERED; IMPACT/RESULTS ACHIEVED; APPROXIMATE HOURS CONTRIBUTED B. COMMUNITY ACTIVITY NAME ADDRESS PHONE POINT OF CONTACT NOTE: TO LIST SERVICE WITH ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES CONTINUE ON PLAIN BOND PAPER IN THE ABOVE FORMAT. IV. TOTAL HOURS COMMUNITY SERVICE THIS PERIOD_____________ V. SUPERVISOR'S NAME GRADE DUTY TITLE SIGNATURE DATE VI. COMMANDER'S COMMENTS VII. COMMANDER'S CERTIFICATION This individual performed outstanding volunteer service to the community of a sustained, direct, and consequential nature and is recommended for award of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Their service throughout this period was honorable. COMMANDER'S NAME GRADE DUTY TITLE SIGNATURE DATE VIII. MILITARY SERVICE AWARD APPROVAL AUTHORITY APPROVED DISAPPROVED AWARDING AUTHORITY NAME GRADE DUTY TITLE SIGNATURE DATE C7. CHAPTER 7 FOREIGN DECORATION AND SERVICE AWARDS C7.1. INTRODUCTION C7.1.1. Section 7342 of title 5, U.S.C. (reference (cc)) provides for employees of the U.S. Government, including members of the Armed Forces of the United States, to accept gifts or decorations from a foreign government under certain conditions. No employee of the Department of the Defense, however, may accept, request, or otherwise encourage the offer of a decoration from a foreign government. When possible, employees shall refuse to accept such decorations. Refer to DoD Directive 1005.13 (reference (dd)) for the policies and procedures applicable to the acceptance of gifts from foreign governments. C7.1.2. Conforming to the consent of Congress, it is the policy of the Department of Defense that awards from foreign governments may be accepted only in recognition of active combat service or for outstanding or unusually meritorious performance. Activities normally undertaken by the Armed Forces of the United States in support of an ally during peacetime are not considered sufficient to merit foreign individual or unit decorations. C7.2. GENERAL PROVISIONS C7.2.1. As used in this Chapter, the following terms apply: C7.2.1.1. Decorations. Any order, device, medal, badge, insignia, emblem, or award tendered by or received from a foreign government. Although a foreign government may label or consider an item to be a decoration, that designation in itself does not mean the item shall be considered a decoration by the U.S. Government. The key factor is whether the item is similar in nature to individual decorations awarded by the U.S. Government. C7.2.1.2. Employee. Every member of the Armed Forces of the United States, or a member of the family and household of any such person. For that explanation, "member of the family and household" means a relative by blood, marriage, or adoption who is a resident of the household. C7.2.1.3. Employing Component. The DoD Component in which the recipient is appointed, employed, or enlisted. If a recipient is not so serving, but is a spouse or dependent of a serving individual, then the employing DoD Component is that in which the serving individual is appointed, employed, or enlisted. C7.2.1.3.1. The Military Departments are considered the employing DoD Component for all military and civilian personnel assigned to that Department. The Military Departments also act as the employing DoD Component for all personnel, military and civilian, either directly employed or assigned to the Headquarters of the Unified Combatant Commands. C7.2.1.3.2. The OSD is the employing DoD Component for its military and civilian personnel and those of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the DARPA, the DSAA, Service members assigned outside the Department of Defense, the DoD Field Activities, and the other DoD activities not specifically designated as "an employing DoD Component." C7.2.1.3.3. The Defense Agencies (except the DARPA and the DSAA) are the employing DoD Components for civilian and military personnel assigned to duty with them. C7.2.1.3.4. Foreign Government. Includes any unit of foreign governmental authority (including any foreign national, state, local, and municipal government) or any international or multinational organization whose membership is composed of the agents or representatives of any of these foreign governments. C7.2.1.3.5. Outstanding or Unusually Meritorious Performance. Performance of duty determined by the employing DoD Component to have contributed to an unusually significant degree toward the furtherance of good relations between the United States and the foreign government tendering the decoration. That requires that the service be of national significance to the foreign government and that it be performed under exceptionally difficult, extraordinary, or hazardous conditions. C7.2.2. As used in this Chapter, the following responsibilities apply: C7.2.2.1. The ASD(FMP) shall develop policy and provide guidance regarding the acceptance, retention, and wearing of decorations offered by foreign governments. C7.2.2.2. The Assistant Secretaries of Defense (International Security Affairs and International Security Policy) shall make recommendations to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy as they pertain to the acceptance and retention of foreign decorations. That shall include, when appropriate, a recommendation from the Department of State. C7.2.2.3. The Heads of the DoD Components, or their designees, shall: C7.2.2.3.1. Approve or disapprove employee acceptance of decorations from foreign governments for employees, units, or activities of their DoD Component. This authority may be delegated. However, if the recipient of the decoration is in fact the Head of the DoD Component the approval or disapproval determination must be deferred to the ASD(FMP). C7.2.2.3.2. Implement procedures in section C7.4., below, to comply with policies pertaining to the acceptance, retention, and wearing of decorations offered by foreign governments. C7.2.2.4. The DA&M, OSD, shall implement sections of this chapter for OSD civilian and military personnel, as defined in paragraph C7.2.1., above. C7.2.3. Prior Congressional Consent. Congressional authority has been given to the Armed Forces of the United States to accept decorations proffered by friendly foreign governments in recognition of service performed during the periods indicated in paragraphs C7.2.3.1. through C7.2.3.4., below. However, the decorations must have been presented and accepted by the intended recipient before the expiration date of the applicable law. C7.2.3.1. World War II -- December 7, 1941 through July 24, 1948 (Pub. L. No. 80-134 (1947), reference (ee)). C7.2.3.2. Berlin Airlift -- June 26, 1948 through September 20, 1951 (Pub. L. No. 81-503 (1950), reference (ff)).