Iraq Campaign Medal
The Iraq Campaign Medal was created by President George W. Bush in May of 2004 at about the same time its fraternal twin, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, was added to the medals of America. These US military medals were designed to honor any US service person that performed duty within the borders of Iraq between March of 2003 and the current time. These military medals and ribbons represent 30 days of continuous service or 60 days of non-continuous service in this theater. These military ribbons and medals may be awarded to personnel who engage in combat with the enemy forces or are wounded as a result of a terrorist attack within Iraq regardless of the duty time involved. These military awards replace the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for this theater of combat.
The Iraq Campaign Medal has become one of the most ubiquitous modern US military medals. These medals of America have certain specific campaign attachments and devices authorized for uniform wear for all branches of service. The Arrowhead Device and the Fleet Marine Combat Operation Insignia may be awarded for participation in certain assault campaigns. The Department of Defense has divided the combat in Iraq to date into four campaigns, and a Service Star may be awarded for participation in each of these campaigns for wear on service person’s medals.
The Iraq Campaign Medal is worn below the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and above the Armed Forces Service Medal in the general order of precedence established for the proper display of all military ribbons and medals. The Iraq Campaign Medal is generally available as Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Awards, and can be worn as traditional full size military medals, 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. SPECIAL CAMPAIGN STARS NOTE: Effective immediately, bronze campaign stars are now required on the Iraq Campaign Medal. At least one bronze campaign star must be on this award. If a service member has served at least one single day in any designated campaign (see below), that service member has earned a bronze campaign star for that period. Multiple deployments during the same time period/campaign are only authorized one star. However, it is possible to earn more than one bronze campaign star during a single deployment if that deployment spans multiple designated campaigns. Designated campaigns: Liberation of Iraq - March 19, 2003 to May 1, 2003; Transition of Iraq - May 2, 2003 to June 28, 2004; Iraqi Governance June 29, 2004 to December 15 2005; National Resolution - December 16, 2005 to Present.
