Korean Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by Executive Order 10179, as amended.
2. Awarded to Service members who participated in operations in the Korean area between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954.
3. Recipients of the Korean Service Medal, depending on the circumstances, are authorized to wear the following devices with the award:
4. Attaching Devices are authorized by individual services:
5. Arrowhead Device - the device is 1/4" high and denotes participation by personnel in a combat parachute jump, helicopter assault landing, combat glider landing, or amphibious assault landing while assigned or attached as a member of an organized force carrying out an assigned tactical mission. The device is worn on both the service and suspension ribbons. Only one arrowhead is worn on any one service ribbon. When worn the point of the arrowhead is oriented up and the device is worn to the right of any service or campaign stars.
6. Marine Corps Device - The device is 5/16" high and authorized for NAVY personnel attached to Fleet Marine Force units participating in combat operations. The device is worn centered on the ribbon and campaign stars are placed alternately on on either side of the device.  The first star is placed to the right of the device.

Background:

1. The medal was designed by the Army Heraldic Section. The obverse shows a Korean gateway, encircled by the inscription "Korean Service." On the reverse is a symbol representing the unity of all being, taken from the national flag of Korea. Encircling this is the inscription "United States of America," with a spray of oak at the left joined to a spray of laurel at the right. The ribbon is light blue with a thin stripe in the center and narrow white edges--the colors of the United Nations.