China Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, July 1, 1942.
2. Authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, for the period after WWII, 22 Jan 1945.
3. Awarded to U.S, Navy and U.S, Marine Corps Service member who served on shore in China or who were attached to any of the vessels that operated in support of the operations in China between July 7, 1937 and September 7, 1939.
4. The period of eligibility was subsequently extended on March 6, 1947. During the second. period, the medal was awarded to Service members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard during operations in China between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. Military services performed in the Asiatic-Pacific area between September 2, 1945 and March 2, 1946, shall not be credited toward individual eligibility for the China Service Medal, unless the Service member is already eligible for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal for military service performed before September 2, 1945.
5. Not more than one award of the China Service Medal (extended) shall be given to any Service member. Service members, who previously earned the China Service Medal for the period 1937 through 1939 shall be issued a bronze star instead of a second award for qualifying military service during the extended period of 1945 through 1957.

Background:

1. This medal has two different backs.