Free Republic

A satellite photo Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld showed the Senate Armed Services Committee recently graphically depicts why Congress authorized the Korean Defense Service Medal. Rumsfeld showed the senators a photo taken at night and the entire southern half of peninsula is bright with light. Almost the entire north is dark. "The (demilitarized zone) is the line in the middle," Rumsfeld told the senators during the budget briefing Feb. 4. "South Korea has got light … and energy and opportunity and a vibrant democratic system. North Korea is a dark, dark country. The little dot of light to the left in...

A new medal will honor U.S. military personnel who have served in Korea since the end of the Korean War, officials said Monday. The Korean Defense Service Medal can be awarded to veterans who were assigned to the Korean peninsula for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days after July 28, 1954. Those who were involved in combat, suffered injuries or flew missions over Korea also can qualify for the honor. “We’ve been working on it for about three years now,” said Tom Marrelli, Texas commander of the Korea Defense Veterans of America. The organization has about 400 members in Texas....

The Defense Department announced today the creation of the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM). The KDSM is a service medal to give special recognition for the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the U.S. armed forces who have served or are serving in the Republic of Korea. Public Law 107-314 legislated the creation of a new medal to recognize military service in the Republic of Korea and the surrounding waters. Members of the armed forces authorized the KDSM must have served in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea. The area of eligibility encompasses all land area...

PRESIDENT AUTHORIZES TWO NEW MEDALS A presidential executive order signed Wednesday authorizes the Department of Defense to create two new military medals for service in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The GWOT Expeditionary Medal will recognize servicemembers who participate in an expedition to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. This is limited to those who deploy as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The GWOT Service Medal will recognize service in military operations to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. This is limited to Operation Noble Eagle and to those servicemembers who provide support to...