National Defense Service Medal, in original box with Ribbon and Bar, USA

The National Defense Service Medal Set was issued to all branches of the US Military for honourable active duty service in the Korean, Vietnam or Gulf wars. Original Medal in box as issued. Box is dated 1992

The National Defense Service Medal was initially instituted by executive order on April 22nd, 1953. It was awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for any honourable active federal service during the Korean war from 1950 to 1954. It was then re-activated for honourable service in the Vietnam war from 1961 to 1974. And then again for honourable service during the Gulf war. Specifically operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1995. Then on October 8, 1991, President Bush issued executive order12776 authorizing award of the medal to all members of the reserve forces as well, whether or not they were on active duty during the designated period of the Gulf war or not.