Inter-American Defense Board Medal
The Inter-American Defense Board Medal was established in December of 1945 by a Pan-American defense group called the Inter-American Defense Board which is devoted to the security of all the countries who are members of the Organization of American States. These military awards are not US military medals, but international awards, and unlike the medals of America, they are presented by the Inter-American Defense Board. Since they are not awarded by any United States governmental organization, the American military branches view them as lower level awards. These military medals are awarded to international military officer who completes a tour of service with the Inter-American Defense Board. These military ribbons also honor all military personnel who serve as staff members of the Inter-American Defense Board Chairman, Secretariat, or complete instructor tours in the Inter-American Defense College. In the United States, the Inter-American Defense Board Medal was first authorized for branch military members in May of 1981, and is worn below United States decorations and before military awards of individual foreign countries.
The Inter-American Defense Board Medal is a one-time decoration but additional duty tours may be designated with Service Stars. A Silver Service Star or Bar is awarded for one year of service; a Gold Star or Bar for two; two Gold Bars or Stars for between three years and five; and three Gold Stars or Bars for more than five years' service. The Inter-American Defense Board Medal is worn below the United Nations Korean Service Medal and above the United Nations Observer Medal in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all United States military medals and ribbons. These military awards are available to all US military personnel who meet the criteria stated above, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons and lapel pins. They are available as traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, and slide-on military ribbons. While traditionalist may still prefer to purchase the traditional slide-on full size military medals, mini-medals, and slide-on military ribbons; the newer thin mini-medals, and ultra thin military ribbons commercial suppliers now provide have become extremely popular among up and coming military personnel who know how important it is to their career advancement to always maximize the neatness and smartness of their uniform appearance.
