Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
Maj. Jay Huber Maj. Wesley Rhodes Maj. Joseph Harrop - deceased Maj. Ron Vargo Capt. Grant Reed Waugh - deceased, air crash Cam Rahn Bay
Best Moment
Successful emergency airdrop at Hiep Duc to 500 ARVN troops surrounded by enemy forces. The troops and their American Advisors had been trapped on a small rise in Hiep Duc Valley for eight days. They had numerous casulties and were running out of supplies. There was steep terrain on the east, south and north sides of the valley. The base of the valley was a little over a mile wide and about four to five miles in length. The drop zone where the troops were located was only a couple of hundred yards wide and about 200 to 300 yards in length and situated at the east end of the valley. The obvious approach to the drop zone was to come in from the west at 500 ft., make the drop and do a tight climbing turn to the north to prevent running into the high terrain at the east end. Unfortunately the NVA was very much aware of this and had their guns positioned on the adjacent hill sides and at the west entry way into the valley. The day prior to our airdrop, two of our units C-123's had attempted to make an airdrop to the troops and took heavy ground fire damaging one aircraft, wounding the pilot and navigator. Both aircraft missed the drop zone and to prevent the supplies from being recovered by the NVA, Navy aircraft destroyed their drop with napalm. The next day I was assigned as lead aircraft and the number two aircraft in our flight was flown by Maj. Robert Walton from the 312th Airlift Sqd. The navigator and coordinator for the airdrop on my crew was Maj. Ben Swett, Wing Navigator. We left Phan Rang early in the morning and flew to Chu Lai where supplies were onloaded for the airdrop. While our aircraft were being loaded and refueled, we met with the FAC assigned to the area who would be in contact with the ground forces and mark the target for us on our approach. The FAC briefed us on the NVA gun emplacements, the terrain and location of the drop zone. The FAC reported that when he departed the area, the weather was 1,000 ft ceiling and two miles visibilty. Maj. Swett had spent considerable time preplanning the mission and recommended rather than flying into the valley from the west, we should make our approach from the south east descending thru the clouds into the valley to a point two miles west of the drop zone. This would put us in a position to make a 90 degree right turn into the drop area. After the drop, we would make a tight climbing left turn to clear the east and north walls of the valley. This approach would give us less exposure to ground fire. Maj. Walton was to follow two minutes behind us and use our chutes as a guide and aim point to the drop zone in the event we were off on our drop. Both aircraft departed Chu Lai and we climbed to 8,000 ft. and proceeded to Hiep Duc which was about 45 miles NW of Chu Lai. Cloud layer topped out at 6,000 ft. Our FAC who was flying an O -1, had taken off a few minutes prior to our departure so was on station when we arrived in the area. Maj. Swett took a final fix on a river bed then started his timing for our point of descent. When over the descent point we started down at 1,500 ft per minute on a heading into our turn point. We entered the clouds at 6,000 ft and at 500 ft. we were in and out of the clouds with heavy rain. We continued our descent to 300 ft arriving at our turn point to the drop zone. As we started our turn, the FAC marked the target and reported we were taking ground fire. At the turn point Maj. Swett started his timing for the drop and 30 seconds after rolling out we made the pull up to jettison our four pallets. Within 3 to 5 seconds following the pull up maneuver, our loadmaster reported "Load Clear", we started our tight left climbing turn. Within 200 ft., we were back in the clouds. Holding a 45 deg. bank turn and pitch attitude that rode the stall envelope, we cleared the east and north wall of the valley by about 500 ft. During the turn our FAC reported "Bulls Eye, all eight pallets on target". I thought to myself, what the hell is he talking about, we only dropped four pallets. When breaking out of the clouds at 6,000 ft. a crew member reported "Number Two Man on our right wing". I looked out the right side and there tucked in behind our right wing was Maj. Walton. After we landed at DaNang for debriefing, I approached Maj. Walton and said "Bob, I thought the plan was that you would come in two minutes behind me." He looked at me and replied, "You know Don, that weather was just so dam stinky, I don't think we would have ever found the drop zone, so I just joined up on your wing and followed you in." Now that's what I call a pilots pilot. He hung in there thru a lot of tight maneuvering and in some real crappy weather. On our flight back to Phan Rang, I reflected on the mission and attributed our success to team work and professionalism of the flight crews, coordination from our FAC and those trapped on the ground. I also have to mention the night before this mission I did a lot of praying and those prayers were answered. The weather encountered reduced our exposure time to ground fire and neither of our aircraft took a hit. Then there was the element of surprise coming in from the southeast meant descending over high terrain in the clouds which I'm sure the NVA did not expect. Last and most important was the lives of 500 men were spared that day.
Worst Moment
Taking a mortar round about 40 yds in front of my aircraft during lift off at Bu Dop a forward operating base on the Cambodian border. There was considerable sharpnel damage to the aircraft; but we were able to make an emergency landing at Bien Hoa.
Other Memories
1. Airlifting a plane load of refugees out of Ban Lung Cambodia to Pleiku. The loadmaster could not control the number of people who rushed the aircraft when the loading ramp was dropped. The refugees were jammed in from the front bulk head going up to the cockpit to the rear of the aircraft. Over the interphone I asked our Loadmaster how many bodies did we have onboard? His response was "I couldn't count them but it shouldn't be a problem as they are little people and not a one of them weights more than 90 pounds". It was a long takeoff roll and a slow climb out, but the Good Lord lifted our wings and we flew. On board our aircraft was Col. John T. Parrish, Vice Wing Commander. While on the ground at Ban Lung he had exited the aircraft and surveyed the landing strip. Weather conditions were low clouds and heavy rain. The landing strip was less than 3,000 ft in length and though it had some contour and was penna prime covered, there were areas of standing water . With the given weather conditions and short runway, Col. Parrish, considered the mission to dangerous for C-123 operations . When we arrived at Pleiku the Loadmaster told me we had about 200 refugees on board. In the C-123K, personnel load limits for transporting U.S. Army or Marine personnel was limited to 85 bodies with their combat gear or 100 Veitnamese (ARVN) troops with combat gear. Needless to say we over the recommended max gross weight when taking off from Ban Lung. Over the years I have reflected on this mission many times and I know without a doubt the Holy Spirit was with us that day. I often wonder of the 200 people we airlifted out of harms way on that mission survived and what about their offspring and generations that have followed. I'm sure God had a plan.
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments May 4, 1970 I was flying as an IP, in the left seat was 1/Lt. Jerry Clark. This was his first flight as an Aircraft Commander in the C 123K. We had just landed at Forward Operating Base Budop to off ... May 4, 1970 I was flying as an IP, in the left seat was 1/Lt. Jerry Clark. This was his first flight as an Aircraft Commander in the C 123K. We had just landed at Forward Operating Base Budop to off load Army troops when the field came under mortar attack. Budop had a 3,000 ft dirt runway and just as we were getting airborne, a mortar round exploded about 50 yds in front of the aircraft. The aircraft sustained heavy damage but we were able to make it back to Bien Hoa.
The second DFC was awarded for an airdrop mission flown on May 20, 1970 into Hiep Duc Valley. Five hundred ARVN troops and their American advisors were trapped on a small hill side and surrounded by NVA forces. The day prior to our airdrop, two C-123's from our unit attempted to drop supplies to the troops. On enterning the valley at 500 ft. the C-123's encountered heavy ground fire and dropped their loads short of the drop zone. One of the C-123's took several hits wounding the pilot and navigator. Navy aircraft dropped naplam on the supplies to prevent the enemy from getting to them. On my flight into the valley, my number two man was Maj. Walton from the 312th. There was steep terrain on the North, East and South sides of the valley. The floor of the valley was only about a mile in width and our drop zone was at the East end of the valley. The drop zone was only about 150 yds wide and 300 to 400 yards in length. Maj. Ben Swett the Navigator on my flight proposed instead of coming in from the West we make our descent from the southeast through the clouds and down the side of the south wall of the valley. Drop altitude would be from 300 ft. Our planned descent route would put us two miles from the drop zone on a heading of 45 degrees away from the drop area when leveling off at 300 ft. In our descent, we entered the clouds at 6,000 ft on our planned heading. Passing through 3,000 ft I could see trees off both sides of the aircraft and the terrain in front of us was falling off. At about 500ft. we started to break out of the clouds and arriving at 300 ft. we flew directly over a big NVA AA battery pointed down the west entrance of the valley. I'm sure the gunners were surprised when two C-123's popped out of the clouds and passed directly over them at 300 ft. As we leveled off we made our 45 degree turn to the drop zone. Our FAC had marked the target with a phospherous rocket and the American Adivsors had red smoke markers lit. We rolled out of our turn to the drop zone and 30 seconds later made our pull up's to jettison our load of supplies. As soon as our loads were clear of the aircraft we started a hard 45 degree bank climbing left turn to clear the North wall of the valley. Our FAC reported ground fire on our approach but neither of our aircraft took a hit. Navy aircraft were flying cover for us on our approach and were able to take out the heavy AA battery. As a result of this mission, we were credited with helping to save the lives of 500 men that day. MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments
Emergency airdrop to 500 ARVN troops and their advisors at Hiep Duc, Veitnam on May 20, 1970.
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments
Stationed at Phan Rang AB flying C - 123K's. Arrived in-country in January 1970 and rotated stateside in October 1970. Flew 791 sorties during my 10 months at Phan Rang.
Criteria Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brig... Awarded by the Vietnam Government to military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy and have been cited individually at the regiment, brigade, division, corps, or armed forces level. MoreHide
Best Friends
Maj. John Gabrick & Wife Maj. Jay Huber & Wife T/Sgt. Laurie Watson
Best Moment
Promotion to Major and birth of our third daughter.
Chain of Command
72nd Bomb Wing (SAC) 8th Air Force (SAC) (SAC) Headquarters, Omaha, Ne.
Other Memories
1. Fabulous scuba diving and lots of lobster. 2. Attending CFIC at Castle to upgrade to Instructor Pilot. 3. Two TDY's to Young Tiger in support of SEA operations.
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments TDY Young Tiger from February to April 1969. Flew a total of 41 missions during my crews 60 day deployment. As a Select Crew S103 from Stan Eval we flew lead crew on several of the B -52 support missi... TDY Young Tiger from February to April 1969. Flew a total of 41 missions during my crews 60 day deployment. As a Select Crew S103 from Stan Eval we flew lead crew on several of the B -52 support missions. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments The Basic and second award where for KC 135 missions flown out Kadena AB, Clark AB and U Tapao AB Thailand in support of Young Tiger Operations. I had two Young Tiger tours, 1967 and 1969. The third ... The Basic and second award where for KC 135 missions flown out Kadena AB, Clark AB and U Tapao AB Thailand in support of Young Tiger Operations. I had two Young Tiger tours, 1967 and 1969. The third through the fifth award where for flying C 123K in country missions in Vietnam from January to October 1970. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Best Friends
Capt. Tom Duffy & Wife Capt. Delbert Wyant & Wife Maj. Donald Robillard & Wife
Best Moment
Many of the assigned personnel considered Minot an isolated assignment, but we found it to be otherwise. The 906th was a close knit group and everyone helped one another. Our second daughter was born in the VA Hospital, in those days the VA did not just treat veterans. Minot also gave us the opportunity to meet my extended family as I was born in N.D and my grandparents were from Minot.
Worst Moment
The winter blizzards.
Chain of Command
450th Bomb Wing (SAC) 2nd Air Force (SAC) (SAC) Headquarters, Offutt AFB, Omaha, Ne.
Other Memories
TDY's to England to support the 55th Recon. My 23 hour 45 minute B-52 flight as 3rd pilot on an airborne alert mission.
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Criteria
The Combat Readiness Medal is awarded to military service members after August 1, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon system employment.
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
Capt. Robert N. Coble & Wife 1/Lt. Richard Martin & Wife Capt. Jerry Irwin & Wife Capt. Marion E. Confer & Wife
Best Moment
The 91st ARS assignment was a memorable one. Made lots of good friends that we still meet and correspond with, but the high light was birth of our son, promotion to Captain and upgrade to A/C.
Worst Moment
Trying to find housing when we first arrived. We lived in a Motel for 6 weeks before we located a duplex in Canal Winchester a small friendly town about 14 miles from the airbase.
Chain of Command
376th Bomb Wing (SAC) 801st Air Division (SAC) 8th Air Force (SAC) SAC Headquarters , Offutt AFB , Neb.
Other Memories
1. Two extended TDY's to the Azores. 2. Cuban Missile Crisis where we were sent to Goose Bay Labrador. 3. When transferring out of the 91st ARS to the 906th ARS there was a 3 month transition period into the KC-135. Six weeks of Ground School at Castle and six weeks of flying training at Roswell AFB N.M.
Description The Cuban Missile Crisis, also known as the Caribbean Crisis or the Missile Scare, was a 13-day (October 16–28, 1962) confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning American bThe Cuban Missile Crisis, also known as the Caribbean Crisis or the Missile Scare, was a 13-day (October 16–28, 1962) confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union concerning American ballistic missile deployment in Italy and Turkey with consequent Soviet ballistic missile deployment in Cuba. The confrontation, elements of which were televised, was the closest the Cold War came to escalating into a full-scale nuclear war.
In response to the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of 1961, and the presence of American Jupiter ballistic missiles in Italy and Turkey, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev decided to agree to Cuba's request to place nuclear missiles in Cuba to deter future harassment of Cuba. An agreement was reached during a secret meeting between Khrushchev and Fidel Castro in July 1962 and construction of a number of missile launch facilities started later that summer.
The 1962 midterm elections were under way in the United States and the White House had denied charges that it was ignoring dangerous Soviet missiles 90 miles from Florida. These missile preparations were confirmed when an Air Force U-2 spy plane produced clear photographic evidence of medium-range (SS-4) and intermediate-range (R-14) ballistic missile facilities. The United States established a military blockade to prevent further missiles from entering Cuba. It announced that they would not permit offensive weapons to be delivered to Cuba and demanded that the weapons already in Cuba be dismantled and returned to the USSR.
After a long period of tense negotiations, an agreement was reached between President John F. Kennedy and Khrushchev. Publicly, the Soviets would dismantle their offensive weapons in Cuba and return them to the Soviet Union, subject to United Nations verification, in exchange for a U.S. public declaration and agreement never to invade Cuba again without direct provocation. Secretly, the United States also agreed that it would dismantle all U.S.-built Jupiter MRBMs, which were deployed in Turkey and Italy against the Soviet Union but were not known to the public.
When all offensive missiles and Ilyushin Il-28 light bombers had been withdrawn from Cuba, the blockade was formally ended on November 20, 1962. The negotiations between the United States and the Soviet Union pointed out the necessity of a quick, clear, and direct communication line between Washington and Moscow. As a result, the Moscow–Washington hotline was established. A series of agreements sharply reduced U.S.–Soviet tensions during the following years.... More
Memories At the time of the Cuban missile crisis, I was assigned to the 91st AREFS and was suppose be on PCS At the time of the Cuban missile crisis, I was assigned to the 91st AREFS and was suppose be on PCS assignment to the 906th AREFS, Minot AFB with TDY to Castle AFB and Walker AFB for KC-135 upgrade and transition training.My transfer was put on hold when our squadron of KC-97's were sent from Lockbourne AFB, Ohio to Goose Bay Labrador. We were on ground alert at Goose Bay until termination of the crisis. What a scramble it was when we got back to Lockbourne to get our household goods packed and family moved.... More
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
1/Lt. Steve M. Kianka 1/Lt. Owen E. Moore 1/Lt. LaVern Severson - deceased 1/Lt. Daniel Kelly - deceased Capt. Thorne Longsworth Capt. Robert Edwards - deceased, Lt/C. William Davidson, Sqdn. Cmdr. - deceased air crash KC-135 in Spain
Best Moment
Lots of good memories of the unit and those I served with and travels in the Kanto Plains region, but the best moment was my stateside fiancee saying "yes". Sixty-two years together and still counting; life is good.
Worst Moment
Making simulated bomb runs at 45,000 ft. using the Shoran system.
Chain of Command
3rd Bomb Wing 5th Air Force
Other Memories
1. Climbing Mt. Fuji to see the sunrise and for 10 Yen I have reserved a spot in Shinto Heaven. 2. Delivering a B-17G from Tachikawa AB to the Nationalist Chinese AF in Taiwan. To make the over water flight from Japan to Taiwan they needed a Navigator so I volunteered.
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
LaVern Severson William E. Knapp William Preston Art Dryden
Best Moment
Transitioning into the B-57. Flights up to 48,000 ft. were awesome in that era.
Worst Moment
Because the B-57 B & C models were new, there were lots of maintenance delays and flight cancellations. We were suppose to finish our training in July but were held over until early September before we could finish all the requirements.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Retirement, following 20 years of active duty and embarking on a new career and life.