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Things you may not know about the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a U.S. Military medal authorized and created by Public Law 108-234, dated 28 May 2004, and Executive Order 13363, dated 29 November 2004. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense announced the establishment of campaign phases (see below) on 19 February 2008.
Public law 109-163, dated 6 January 2006, amended the beginning date for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and the date of eligibility for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal to 11 September 2001.
Individuals authorized the ACM must have served in direct support of OEF.
The area of eligibility (AOE) encompasses all land area of the country of Afghanistan and all air spaces above the land.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal period of eligibility is on or after 11 September 2001 to a future date to be determined by the Secretary of Defense or the cessation of OEF.
Effective 31 December 2014, OEF is no longer an authorized qualifying operation for award of the ACM. Effective 1 January 2015, Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS) is an approved operation for award of the ACM.
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LIBERATION OF AFGHANISTAN |
11 SEPTEMBER 2001 – 30 NOVEMBER 2001 |
|
CONSOLIDATION I |
1 DECEMBER 2001 – 30 SEPTEMBER 20 |
|
CONSOLIDATION II |
1 OCTOBER 2006 – 30 NOVEMBER 2009 |
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CONSOLIDATION III |
1 DECEMBER 2009 – 30 JUNE 2011 |
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TRANSITION I |
1 JULY 2011 - 31 DECEMBER 2014 |
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TRANSITION II |
1 JANUARY 2015 - TO BE DETERMINE |
In order of precedence, the ACM will be worn before the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM) and shall directly follow the Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) (i.e., KCM, ACM, ICM, GWOTEM, etc.).
Medal Description
On a bronze metal 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in diameter above a range of mountains is a map of Afghanistan. Around the top is the inscription “AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN.”
On the reverse, a radiating demi-sun superimposed by an eagle’s head couped. Inscribed across the bottom half of the reserve side are the three lines “FOR SERVICE” “IN” “AFGHANISTAN” all enclosed by a laurel wreath.
Symbolism
The designed Mountains dominate the landscape of Afghanistan. The map of the country highlights the theater of operation and our commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom.
The eagle, a symbol of the United States and the American spirit, is constantly vigilant, ready to defend freedom.
The rising sun embodies a new start for Afghanistan and its road to a free and prosperous future. The laurel wreath is for honor and high achievement.
The ribbon reflects the colors of the new Afghanistan flag and the red, white and blue represent the United States and its allies.
Ribbon
The ribbon is Emerald, Scarlet, Black, White, Scarlet and Old Glory Blue.
Components
The following are related items:
- Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/318D. NSN 8455-01-527-8027 for set which includes regular size medal and ribbon bar.
- Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/318D. Available commercially.
- Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/593. Available commercially.
- Lapel Button (ribbon replica): MIL-DTL-11484/312. Available commercially.
- Pocket Square Heroes™ inspired Afghanistan campaign Pocket Square.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) and Ribbon are very recognizable. It can be seen on bumper stickers, t-shirts, mugs, posters, lapel pins, tie designs and now pocket squares.
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Are you missing any of your military records? I got replacements for no cost!
Are you missing any of your military records?
I got replacements for no cost, yes for FREE!
When I got out of the Marine Corps in 1997, I was issued my DD-214. But I never received my Honorable Discharge Certificate the DD-256.
The other day, I decided to request one. I figured this would require moving mountains. I assumed a copy would not be archived in my service record book.
In the end, I was surprised how easy it was.
Below are the instructions I followed to get a copy of my DD-256 for no cost from the National Records Archive.
I visited this page: Request Your Military Service Records Online, by Mail, or by Fax on archives.gov.
You can request a replacement DD 214/Separation Documents, Personnel Records, Replacement Medals, and/or Medical Records.
I filled my request using the eVetRecs system. The online eVetRecs system creates the SF-180, Request Pertaining to Military Records to request information from your, or your relative's, military personnel records.
You may use this system if you are: a military veteran, or next of kin of a deceased, former member of the military.
The next of kin can be any of the following: a surviving spouse that has not remarried, and/or the members Father, Mother, Son, Daughter, Sister, Brother.
Your request must contain certain basic information for us to locate your service records.
This information includes:
- Complete name used while in service
- Service number
- Social security number
- Branch of service
- Dates of service
- Date and place of birth)
- All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.
- If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.
The website also addresses “Emergency Requests” like a Veteran’s Funeral which could require military records.
Below is the excerpt from archive.gov.
- If your request is urgent (for example, upcoming surgery, a funeral, etc.) tell us the nature of the emergency and your deadline in the "Comments" section of eVetRecs or in the "Purpose" section of the Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records.
- Fax your request to our Customer Service Team at 314- 801-0764.
- Call our customer service staff at 314-801-0800 if you have questions or require same-day service.
- Due to the large number of calls we receive at this number, hold times are often long. However, once you reach a technician, he or she will be happy to assist you with emergency service.
In the eVetRecs system was a drop-down menu listing the documents types you could be ordering and of course the DD-256 was not listed as an option.
No worries, I explained in the comments section that I was requesting my DD-256.
When completed, I was issued a receipt number. I printed the form, signed it and faxed the copy to the National Archive Records office.
The request was ultimately submitted online but required a hard signature.
DO NOT forget to fax/mail the hard signature, as archives will NOT complete the request without it.
In approximately 6 weeks, my “Honorable Discharge” certificate arrived in the mail. I will be putting it in a frame and hang it in the man cave.
To start the process and for more details click here.
Other stories you may like:
Who has received the title "Honorary Marine?
10 Things You May Not Know About The Vietnam Service Medal.
What do you REALLY know about the Southwest Asia Service Medal?
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April 5th - is Gold Star Wives Day.
114TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION
Designating April 5, 2016, as ‘‘Gold Star Wives Day’’.
- RES. 413
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
APRIL 5, 2016
Mr. BURR (for himself, Mrs. BOXER, and Mr. HELLER) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Designating April 5, 2016, as ‘‘Gold Star Wives Day’’.
Whereas the Senate honors the sacrifices made by the spouses and families of the fallen members of the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. represents the spouses and families of the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States who have died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability;
Whereas the primary mission of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is to provide services, support, and friendship to the spouses of the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas in 1945, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. was organized with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt to assist the
The Senate, (1) designates April 5, 2016, as ‘‘Gold Star Wives Day’’; to show honors and recognizes the contributions of the members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.; and the dedication of the members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. to the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; and encourages the people of the United States to observe Gold Star Wives Day to promote awareness of the contributions and dedication of the members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
BILLS\SR413.ATS SR413
Whereas the first meeting of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. was held on April 5, 1945;
Whereas April 5, 2017, marks the 72nd anniversary of the first meeting of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.;
Whereas the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States bear the burden of protecting the freedom of the people of the United States; and
Whereas the sacrifices of the families of the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States should never be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it to the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; and the important role that Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. plays in the lives of the spouses and families of the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.
See here for complete text:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/sres413/text
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- Tags: National Defense Service Medal Veteran
Who has received the title "Honorary Marine?"
The title "Honorary Marine" isn't taken lightly as fewer than 100 people have received this title that can only be granted (Publication 59) by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Below are five people I believe should be noted are:
1. Chuck Norris - A United States Air Force Veteran, martial arts expert, actor and screen writer not to mention a true badass. Chuck Norris is known for his work and support surrounding all members of the U.S. Armed Forces. In my book he is a hands down example of a "true american."
2. Brig. Gen. Bob Hope - if you don't know who Bob Hope is, you have major issues. Bob Hope has supported our troops since May of 1941 and is work with the USO is unmatched. Bob is a great American and was award the title "Honorary Marine" in Oct of 1997.
3. Master Sgt. Bugs Bunny - in the 1943 Warner Bros. cartoon Bugs Bunny stared in "Super Rabbit" a parody of Superman. In this episode Bugs eats a super carrot and has Superman like abilities. When his powers run out Bugs enters a phone booth and emerges as a U.S. Marine singing the Marines Hymn.
The Marines Corps responded by enlisting Bugs as a Marine Private and he was discharged at the end of WWII holding the rank of Master Sgt.
4. Cpl. Jim Nabors, aka Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. was an American comedy show that aired from September 25, 1964, to May 2, 1969. The series lasted 5 seasons and consisted of 150 episodes. The main character is Private Gomer Pyle played by Jim Nabors.
Gomer Pyle a private was never promoted during the show but received an honorary promotion to Lance Corporal in 2001 and subsequently promoted to Corporal in 2007.
Jim Nabors was an "Honorary Marine" and awarded the rank of Sgt. on the 238th Marine Corps birthday.
5. Gary Sinise - an American Actor and super supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces was award the title "Honorary Marine" on August 29th, 2013. Gary is well-known for his role as Lt. Dan in the Forest Gump movie. Gary is a musician and his band 'The Lt. Dan Band" plays all over for Military and Veterans.
Also his company the "Gary Sinise Foundation" is well-known among Veterans for their work helping the U.S. Armed Forces.
This is just a small list of the extraordinary patriots that go above and beyond supporting our troops.
Related article - Click on image!
Shop our store, lots of great Pocket Square Heroes® designs
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