GWOT Service Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Recognizes service in military operations to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001.
2. This is limited to Operation Noble Eagle and to those service members who provide support to Operation Enduring Freedom from outside the area of eligibility designated for the GWOT Expeditionary Medal.
   • 1. Specific eligibility for these medals will be established by DoD award policy. The combatant commander has the authority to award the medals for approved operations to units and personnel deployed within his or her theater. Each service department will prescribe the appropriate regulations for processing and wearing of the medals.
   • 2. Members of the U.S. armed forces and Coast Guard are eligible for the medals to include Reserve and National Guard activated to support approved operations.
   • 3. Civilians, foreign nationals and foreign military are not eligible.
   • 4. Future authorization for these medals will be considered and approved by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff if the war on terrorism expands.

Background:

1. Ribbon. The dark red stripe denotes sacrifice. The gold stripes symbolize achievement. The blue stripes signify justice.
2. Obverse. The obverse has a stylized globe, the universal symbol of the world. Surmounting the globe is six arrows  exemplifying fighting power and readiness, also representing the area that terrorism is being fought; diplomatic, military, financial, intelligence, investigative and law enforcement. Below, a olive branch exemplifies peace and an oak branch  emphasizing strength and protection.
3. Reverse. The reverse is inscribed ‘FOR INTERNATIONAL RESPONSES AGAINST TERRORISM’ between three stars  commemorate achievement and below the year ‘2002’.

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 GWOT Service 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)