Precedence: 4

Year Authorized: 1899

Presented By: National Society, State Society, Chapter (or purchased by a Compatriot)

Approved By: NSSAR Veterans Recognition Committee, State Society or Chapter

Description: The medal is bronze in color. The medal is available in miniature. A War Service Medal certificate is available. Bronze Service Bars or Oak Leaf Clusters may be attached to the ribbon drape as described below.

Summary: The War Service Medal was first authorized in 1899 for members who served in the Spanish-American War. It was subsequently authorized for members who served in World War I and World War II. Following World War II, the NSSAR authorized a generic War Service Medal with specific service periods indicated by bronze bars.

Proof of Service: Proof of service, in the form of a copy of the member's discharge (or other U.S. or Allied Government proof in the case of a member in active service), must be presented to the NSSAR Veterans Recognition Committee, State Society Secretary or Chapter secretary (depending on presenting authority) before the medal can be purchased and/or worn. Such proof must show that the Compatriot:

1. served, or is serving, honorably in:

   a. the armed forces of the United States,

   b. the military forces of a country allied with the United States, or

   c. a United Nations Peace Keeping Force; and

2. served against a common enemy in a war or action recognized by a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States; and

3. received a campaign medal, combat ribbon or badge as shown on the DD-214 form (or equivalent). Note: The National Defense Service Medal is not considered a campaign medal for purposes of qualifying for the War Service Medal.

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Medal Devices & Attachments: The following attachments are authorized for wear with the full sized War Service Medal:

 Bronze Service Bars indicate that a Compatriot received an authorized campaign medal during a specific qualifying period. Available bronze bars include: WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism (for service associated with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal).

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 Oak Leaf Clusters may be worn (1) to recognize participation in a war or action for which a specific Bronze Service Bar is not available, or (2) in lieu of a Bronze Service Bar or multiple Bronze Service Bars (at the Compatriot’s discretion).

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 A Purple Heart Pin may be worn by a Compatriot who received the Purple Heart from one of the United States Armed Forces.

Cloth Ribbon: A ribbon bar in the colors of the medal drape with a “W” device may be worn by a Compatriot whose uniformed organization permits wear of such ribbons

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Subsequent Presentation Authorized: A Compatriot may receive additional Bronze Service Bars or Oak Leaf Clusters for subsequent qualifying war service.

Special Note on Precedence: The War Service Medal and Military Service Medal have equivalent precedence. However, Compatriots who qualify for the War Service Medal should wear the War Service Medal. A Compatriot may not wear both the Military Service Medal and the War Service Medal.