Criteria

This decoration, established by the Department of Defense on June 25, 1963, is awarded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other Department of Defense agencies or joint activities reporting through the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Any member of the armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself by meritorious achievement or service while serving in any specified activity after Jan. 1, 1965, is eligible for this award. However, it will not be awarded for any period of service for which any of the commendation medals of the branches of the armed forces are given.

For the period from June 25, 1963, through March 31, 1976, the “V” device is authorized for all Services if the citation is for an act or service involving direct participation in combat operations.

(b) Subsequent to April 1, 1976, the “V” device is authorized if the citation is approved for valor (combat heroism) in a designated combat area.

     A bronze oak leaf cluster is added to the ribbon to denote each subsequent award.

     A silver oak leaf cluster is added to the ribbon to denote the 5th, 10th, etc.