Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. The AFEM, authorized by E.O. 10977, maybe awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who after July 1, 1958:
2. Encounter during such participation foreign armed opposition, or are otherwise placed, or have been placed, in such position that, in the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though it did not materialize.
3. Categories of Operations. The AFEM may be authorized for the following three categories of operations:
   • U.S. military operations.
   • U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations (U.N.).
   • U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.
4. Attaching Devices authorized by individual services:
   • 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. (Per Air Force Manual 36-2806 dtd 10 June 2019.)
   • 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. (Per SECNAV M-1650.1 dtd 16 Aug 2019.)
   • A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn to denote engagements, campaigns or subsequent awards. A 3/16-inch silver star is worn in lieu of five bronze stars (represents the sixth award, engagement or campaign).

Background:

1. During the late 1950’s, it became apparent that a medal was needed to recognize the services of the Armed Forces who participated in the increased involvement of the American military in peacekeeping activities. As a result, President Kennedy established the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, per Executive Order 10977, dated 4 December 1961, for operations on or after 1 July 1958.
2. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) designates operations for which the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal may be awarded. A bronze service star is worn to denote second and subsequent awards of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

The Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness maintains a list of "Approved Military Decorations and Awards" which is a roster of the approved Joint DoD awards and/or operations for which the medal is authorized.
This is the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal approved award/operations. as of the date shown in the document. You may want to verify if it has been updated at The Office of the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness (linked above)