The National Service Medal (NDSM). “The NDSM was awarded to every member of the U.S. Armed Forces who served during any one of four specified periods of armed conflict or national emergency from June 27, 1950 through December 31, 2022.” Wikipedia – NDSM
My Father served with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea from 1951-52. He was a light-machine gunner operator. In the picture, he is holding his assigned weapon – a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR).
My last tour with the Army was in Korea where I had the opportunity to visit some of the battlefields on which he fought. I served in the Army from 1972-1974 and then from 1982 – 2012.
Additional awards (star) were recognized for service in the following periods:
- 1960 – 1974 – Vietnam era
- 1990 – 1995 – Gulf War (First Star)
- 2001 – 2022 – War on Terror (Second Star)
My first active duty assignment -(1972-`1974), Charlie Company (Airborne), in the 172nd Light Infantry Brigade, Ft. Wainwright, Fairbanks, AZ
Picture: Main parachute on back, reserve parachute on front, rucksack on thighs, M16 strapped to the side.
On winter jumps, snow shoes were also added.
My last active duty tour – U.S. 8th Army, Korea, I was honored to receive the Knowlton Award. I served as the Chief of the Intelligence Operations Division and supported updates to the war plans and the transformation of the 8th Army to a Field Army.
Additional Information:
Pieces of History: End of an Era: The National Defense Service Medal
