- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 11 January 1996
- Country: United States
The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) is a prestigious military award within the United States military, established on January 11, 1996, by President Bill Clinton through Executive Order 12985.
This medal is designated as a deployed service award and is presented to service members who participate in “significant activity” operations that do not qualify for any other U.S. campaign or service medal. The AFSM recognizes the efforts and commitment of those who engage in important missions or operations, highlighting their contributions to national and international objectives where specific campaign medals are not applicable.
The Armed Forces Service Medal is the non-combat equivalent of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, which is typically awarded for combat operations and associated combat support missions.
The Armed Forces Service Medal Design
The Armed Forces Service Medal is a round bronze medal measuring 1+1⁄4 inches (32 mm) in diameter.
The obverse of the medal features a half-torch, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty’s torch, with rays emanating from behind it. The inscription “ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL” encircles the top. The reverse side displays the eagle from the United States Department of Defense seal, with a laurel wreath below and the inscription “IN PURSUIT OF DEMOCRACY” at the top.
The suspension and ribbon of the medal are 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide and include several edge stripes from the outside to the center: 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) goldenlight, 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) jungle green, 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) green, 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) mosstone green, and 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) goldenlight. The center stripe is 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) wide in bluebird.
