The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) is a military service medal of the United States Armed Forces originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Created in 1953, the National Defense Service Medal was intended to be a "blanket campaign medal" awarded to any member of the United States Armed Forces who served honorably during a designated time period of which a "national emergency" had been declared.

In the years since the creation of the National Defense Service Medal, it is authorized only for the following time periods:[2]

Korean War June 27, 1950 – July 27, 1954
Vietnam War January 1, 1961 – August 14, 1974
Persian Gulf War August 2, 1990 – November 30, 1995
Global War on Terrorism September 11, 2001 – present


Quote Originally Posted by Domehead View Post
Yes, it is an US Military Service Award. I'm sure someone will refine my detail, but it is awarded for service to our country during times of recognized conflict. One does not have to serve in combat action to receive it. One need only make the decision to sacrifice in defense of said country.