Should my NDSM have a second award device - Yes or No?

SPC William Watson — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:51:25 -0500

I was awarded the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) in 1992 during BCT. Upon arrival to my permanent duty station, I was awarded a second NDSM. I served between 11/5/1992 and 12/16/1996. Both awards were issued during my first enlistment, but I only received one DoD citation. I'm not sure why it was awarded a second time, especially without a second DoD citation and I wore an oak leaf cluster device on my NDSM during my full enlistment once I received the second award., but I'd like to know if I can wear a second award device for serving during the specified time period of war.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 1 at 2021 5:40 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:40:16 -0500

Only one NDSM authorized for that time frame.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Feb 1 at 2021 6:48 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 18:48:11 -0500

I don't think that is right to wear more than one. Did you join to get the medals or to serve your country? One should be enough. It recognizes that you earned the medal.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Feb 2 at 2021 8:44 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 08:44:34 -0500

Stars indicate subsequent awards. Only one authorized for your time of service though.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Feb 2 at 2021 5:19 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:19:44 -0500

I was issued two. Once for the Navy (Boot Camp - referred to as the "Gedunk Medal"), and again when I went into the Army. Not sure, but probably a star would've been okay.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 3 at 2021 6:07 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:07:35 -0500

No. And even if it did, it would be a star, not an OLC.
The second one was likely issued because they did not realize you had already received the NDSM in Basic, and wanted to make sure you were taken care of.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 7 at 2021 9:29 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 09:29:27 -0500

Best source document would be your DD214 or your personnel record. I also have 2 NDSM. The AF wears a Star on the ribbon for a second award. Not sure an OLC is used by any Service for the NDSM.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 18 at 2021 12:03 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:03:17 -0500

It was the same period. The current post 9/11 period is a new period. I have a star with mine because it is the subsequent award and both are listed (Gulf War and OEF/New Dawn)