Washington, D.C. - After learning of the creation of a Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM), U.S. Rep. Brian Baird encouraged all those who may be eligible to contact his office to learn more about the medal. Members of the armed forces authorized to receive the KDSM must have served in support of the defense of the Republic of Korea..  The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the Republic of Korea, the contiguous water out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land and water areas.  The medal may be awarded posthumously and only one award of the KSDM is authorized for any individual.

“This medal helps recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and died in defense of the Republic of Korea,” said Rep. Baird.  “I strongly encourage local veterans and their families to find out if they or their loved ones are eligible for the medal and help bestow this honor on those who served so bravely.”

The KDSM period of eligibility is July 28, 1954 to a future date to be determined by the secretary of defense.

Servicemembers must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating in the area of eligibility and have been physically deployed in the area of eligibility for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days or meet one of the following criteria:

         Have been engaged in actual combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the
 time in the area of eligibility.

         Wounded or injured in the line of duty and requires medical evacuation
 from the area of eligibility.

         Have participated as regularly assigned air crew member flying sorties within, or over the area of eligibility in support of military operations (Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day toward the 30 or 60-day requirement).

         Personnel who served in operations and exercises conducted in the area of eligibility are
 considered eligible for the award as long as the basic time criteria is met.  Due to the lengthy time period for KDSM eligibility, the non-consecutive service period for eligibility remains cumulative throughout the entire period.

Each military department will prescribe appropriate regulations for administrative processing, awarding and wearing of the KDSM and ribbon for their service-members, to include application procedures for veterans, retirees, and next-of-kin.

In June 2003, Rep. Baird co-sponsored legislation to grant the Korean War Veterans Association a federal charter.  Despite the historic importance of the Korean War and the enormous sacrifices made by those who fought in it, the Korean War Veterans Association is the only major national veterans association without a federal charter.  As a federally chartered veterans organization, the Korean War Veterans Association will be able to enhance its mission, expand the charitable and benevolent causes it supports, and participate as part of select committees with other federally chartered veterans groups. A federal charter will also enable the association to obtain accreditation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which permits the association's members to assist in processing veterans' claims before the department.  This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs for consideration.

Those interested in contacting Rep. Baird regarding the KSDM or other service medals should contact his Olympia office: (360) 352-9768.

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