President Bush has issued an executive order establishing two military awards for actions in the global war on terrorism. The President signed the order March 12 establishing the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. A White House spokesman said the medals recognize the "sacrifice and contributions" military members make in the global war on terror. The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal will be awarded to service members who serve in military expeditions to combat terrorism on or after September 11, 2001. Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and anti-terrorism operations in the Philippines are prime examples for this award.
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal will be awarded to service members who serve in military operations to combat terrorism on or after September 11, 2001. Operation Noble Eagle (Reserve and active forces protecting domestic targets from terrorist attack) is an example of the type of operation eligible for this award.
Specific criteria for these awards will be established by the Armed Forces. Note: For service members serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom after 19 March 2003, the Iraq Campaign Medal replaces the Terror Expeditionary Medal. Troops serving in Afghanistan after 30 April 2005 receive the Afghanistan Campaign Medal instead of the Terror Expeditionary Medal. Contact your command for specific eligibility details.
