American Defense Service Medal

Established by Executive Order on 28 June 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941.

Recognizes service members during the heightened alert period just prior to the start of WWII.

Authorized to military members who served between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941.

Navy issued clasps include “BASE” and “FLEET”, “SEA” clasp for Coast Guard. Army included the “*FOREIGN SERVICE*” clasp for service outside CONUS during the qualification period.

American Defense Service Medal




"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"