Kosovo Campaign
The Kosovo Campaign Medal was the first of the medals of America established by President Bill Clinton in May of 2000. These US military medals recognize military service performed in Kosovo from 1999 to the current time. These military medals and ribbons are presented to service personnel from all branches of service who have performed active duty for 30 consecutive days, or 60 cumulative days, in support of one or more of the two broad campaigns recognized for Kosovo: the Kosovo Air Campaign which ended in June of 1999, and the Kosovo Defense Campaign which continues to the current day. These military ribbons and medals honor flight operations performed in the land area or air space of Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Slovenia, and including the waters and air space of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Participants in the ground operations supporting peacekeeping in Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia, and Naval actions in the Adriatic Sea since June of 1999 may also receive the Kosovo Service Medal.
Service persons who receive the Kosovo Service Medal are also eligible to receive the NATO Medal for peacekeeping services rendered in Kosovo. Service Stars are awarded to member of all five branches of the military for the Kosovo Service Medal for qualified duty in either or both of the two major campaigns, and these military decorations are always granted at least one Service Star. The Fleet Marine Force Combat Operation Insignia is also authorized for certain sailors.
The Kosovo Service Medal is worn below the Armed Forces Service Medal, and above the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. These military awards are generally available as traditional full size military medals and mini medals, military ribbons, and lapel pins. 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.
