Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Ribbon / Medal Details

Details for the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Date Authorized: December 4th, 1961

Ribbon Identification Colors: yellow; green; brown; black; blue; white; red

Visual Description (Ribbon):

The ribbon is multi-banded; the color pattern is green-to-yellow-to-black-to-light blue with a thinner set of bands at center, this being blue-to-white-to-red; the former color bands are repeated in reverse order heading away from the center of the ribbon.

Visual Description (Medal):

Rounded bronze medal suspended by loop ring to ribbon; at center is 3/4 view of an eagle with open wings, clasping a sword in its talons; the sword is in a scabbard, partly out; the eagle is superimposed on an eight-pointed star with a sunburst visible just behind; above the scene are the words "Armed Forces" and below the scene are the words "Expeditionary Service"; a sprig of laurel separate the two phrases at either side of the medal; REVERSE: A shield representing the United States Coat of Arms; below the shield are two laurel branches; a bullet minie ball separate the two branches; arched across the top of the medal are the words "United States of America".

Award Criteria:

Awarded to service personnel participating with a US military unit after July 1st, 1958. Personnel would have particpated in a military operation of "significant numbers" and having encountered "armed opposition" or the threat thereof. The medal can be authorized for a US military operation, a US military operation in support of the UN or a US military operation in support of a foreign US ally. This particular medal is awarded only when there is no other campaign medal available.

For official awarding criteria per the US military, please visit: http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Awards/order_of_precedence.aspx