| Place | North & Central America: United States of America |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL25146.027 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United States of America |
| Date made | C 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
United States American Defense Service Medal
Description
United States American Defense Service Medal. The obverse has a female Grecian figure holding an ancient war shield and wielding a sword above her head. She is standing upon a oak branch which has four leaves. At the top of the medal are the words "AMERICAN DEFENSE". The reverse has the words "FOR SERVICE DURING THE LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON September 8,1939 OR DURING THE UNLIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 27,1941" above a seven-leafed spray of laurel. A loose ring suspender with a yellow gold ribbon hat has thin blue/white/red (left) and red/white/blue (right) stripes 6 mm from each edge. Fitted with a brooch pin.
History / Summary
The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between 8 September 1939, and 7 December 1941 for a time span of twelve months or longer.