In 1899, the Society authorized the first War Service Medal for Compatriots who served in the Spanish-American War.  It was subsequently authorized for members who served in World War I and II.  Following World War II, the NSSAR authorized a generic War Service Medal with specific service periods indicated by bronze bars.

Compatriots currently serving or who served honorably in the United States armed forces are eligible for the War Service and Military Service Medals.  The Chapter strongly encourages all eligible Compatriots to complete and return the Military Service Reporting Form with a copy of your DD 214 (or similar documentation) to Alex Thorne until we have a volunteer to be our Veteran's Chairman.

 

The War Service Medal and Military Service Medal have equivalent precedence.  However, Compatriots who qualify for the War Service Medal should wear the War Service Medal.  A Compatriot may not wear both the Military Service Medal and the War Service Medal.

Eligibility requirements can be found on the National website.

 

Military Service Record Reporting Form

 

Partial details are listed below:

 

 

War Service Medal

 

The War Service Medal requires proof of service before presentation, in the form of a copy of the member’s discharge (or other U.S. or Allied Government proof in the case of a member in active service), must be presented to the Chapter secretary before the Medal can be purchased and/or worn.  Such proof must show that the Compatriot:

1. served, or is serving, honorably in:
   
   • the armed forces of the United States;
   • the military forces of a country allied with the United States; or,
   • a United Nations Peace Keeping Force.
      
2. served against a common enemy in a war or action recognized by a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States; and,
    
3. received a campaign medal, combat ribbon, or badge as shown on the DD-214 form (or equivalent).  Note:  The National Defense Service Medal is not considered a campaign medal for purposes of qualifying for the War Service Medal.

The following attachments are authorized for wear with the full-sized War Service Medal:

• Bronze Service Bars indicate that a Compatriot received an authorized campaign medal during a specific qualifying period.  Available bronze bars include:  WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism (for service associated with the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal).
   
• Oak Leaf Clusters may be worn (1) to recognize participation in a war or action for which a specific Bronze Service Bar is not available, or (2) in lieu of a Bronze Service Bar or multiple Bronze Service Bars (at the Compatriot’s discretion).
   
• A Purple Heart Pin may be worn by a Compatriot who received the Purple Heart from one of the United States’ Armed Forces.

A ribbon bar in the colors of the medal drape with a “W” device may be worn by a Compatriot whose uniformed organization permits the wearing of such ribbons.

 

A Compatriot may receive additional Bronze Service Bars or Oak Leaf Clusters for subsequent qualifying war service.  In addition, the Medal and any authorized appurtenances may be presented posthumously.

 

 

Military Service Medal

 

The Military Service Medal requires proof of service before presentation Proof of service, in the form of a copy of the member’s discharge (or other U.S. or Allied Government proof in the case of a member in active service), must be provided to the Chapter secretary before the Medal can be purchased and/or worn.  Such proof must show that the Compatriot served, or is serving, honorably in:

1. the armed forces of the United States;
2. the military forces of a country allied with the United States; or,
3. a United Nations Peace Keeping Force.

A Purple Heart Pin may be worn on the full-sized Military Service Medal by a Compatriot who received the Purple Heart from one of the United States Armed Forces.

 

A ribbon bar in the colors of the medal drape with an “M” device may be worn by a Compatriot whose uniformed organization permits the wearing of such ribbons.

 

A Compatriot may receive this Medal only once. Oak leaf clusters or other ribbon attachments are not authorized.

 

The Medal and any authorized appurtenances may be presented posthumously.