Korean National Defense Ribbon

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 12:41:16 -0500

With the 1ABCT 2ID rolling up their colors and other BCTs rotating in on their respective tours for 9 months, will the Korean Natl Defense Ribbon be issued to those personnel even though its only 9 months vs 12? What say ye?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 3:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 03:35:00 -0500

Good question, SSG.

Since the criteria for awarding the Korea Defense Service Medal is only 30 consecutive (or 60 non-consecutive) days in country, I'd be willing to bet those personnel on 9-month rotations will still be awarded the KDSM. They will have earned it, after all.

Source: AR 600-8-22 para 2-20

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2016 12:19 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 00:19:06 -0400

They will be awarded the KDSM.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 5 at 2018 12:35 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:35:46 -0500

The award you are thinking of is the Korea Defense Service Medal. It is awarded after 30 days of service in Korea. You don't have to be there a whole year to get one.