New "National Defense" Tartan

[kiltimabar]

I remember it being referred to as the "geedunk medal" in the Navy, referring to the fact that there were no overseas or combat requirement to earn it; you could have spent all your time in the geedunk--the snack bar.

But I don't think of it that way. It shows that you served your country, in the capacity you were assigned, and I respect that.

[kiltedinUSMC]

I Like it. Its a nice way to honor those who served, because that is the one medal everyone has earned.

[Tim B]

Ive been out for a while and my Army Times subscription has long expired. I know the NDM is awarded during conflict times, but I recently was told that it's wear was authorized if you served in Korea any time after the Korean war to present as the soldiers there were actively involved in "national defense" in an theatre that was technically only under a truce.

Can anyone set me straight on this?

[Kilted-Keith]

Ive been out for a while and my Army Times subscription has long expired. I know the NDM is awarded during conflict times, but I recently was told that it's wear was authorized if you served in Korea any time after the Korean war to present as the soldiers there were actively involved in "national defense" in an theatre that was technically only under a truce.

Can anyone set me straight on this?

Your information is INCORRECT - However there is a Korean Defense Service medal
The Korea Defense Service Medal is a United States military award that was first created in 2002 when it was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill to create the proposal was introduced and championed by Rep. Elton Gallegly and Sen. Ben "Night Horse" Campbell. In 2004, the Institute of Heraldry approved the final design and the medal became authorized for distribution.

The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) is authorized for those members of the U.S. military who have served duty in the Republic of Korea to uphold the armistice between South and North Korea. To qualify for the KDSM, a service member must have served at least thirty consecutive days in the Korean theater. The medal is also granted for 60 non-consecutive days of service which includes reservists on annual training in Korea.

for more info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korea_D..._Service_Medal

[beloitpiper]

Nice looking tartan. I'm still waiting for them to come out with the Wisconsin tar--oooh boy, the "kilt man" video is still there...

[medic78]

I remember it being referred to as the "geedunk medal" in the Navy, referring to the fact that there were no overseas or combat requirement to earn it; you could have spent all your time in the geedunk--the snack bar.

same here found out a couple of years ago that I got one hav'nt bpought it yet. But more than likely will, More salad on the chest. tartan looks good.

[Cerebite]

I remember it being referred to as the "geedunk medal" in the Navy, referring to the fact that there were no overseas or combat requirement to earn it; you could have spent all your time in the geedunk--the snack bar.

same here found out a couple of years ago that I got one hav'nt bpought it yet. But more than likely will, More salad on the chest. tartan looks good.

I always refer to mine as the CNN Medal with the Fox News Star [Gulf War & GWOT] because that is what I was doing each time I received it.

[Barb T]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

[Geoff Withnell]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

Well said. I hold the USMC Combat Action Ribbon, so I have "looked down the barrel of a gun" but my comrades who were never sent still put their lives on the line, being willing to be sent. Some Gave All, but All Gave Some. Even if that is one's only medal, it indicates standing between your loved home and the war's desolation. They are my brothers and comrades in arms, and I am seriously thinking about getting a kilt in the tartan, it looks cool!

Geoff Withnell

[kiltimabar]

To snicker about this medal as being a "thanks for showing up" medal is pretty harsh and implies that those in the military who are not deployed are sitting around the snack bar eating pizza. The men and women I've met in the military who are stateside aren't just "showing up". They carry out jobs that are vital to the larger effort that provides for the defense of all of us and all we hold dear. I'm most familiar with the Air Force Research Labs (where our daughter is), and most of the fabulously talented people who work there will never see the pointy end of the sword yet they are totally committed to inventing and perfecting technologies that help other American servicemen and women do their jobs better and more safely.

Not only that, but they are committed in ways that none of us in the civilian world can fully comprehend. It's a big decision to be in the armed forces. Those in the military typically can't choose their jobs or where they will work, and they certainly can't just decide they don't like their jobs and quit to go do something else. If they stay in for a career, they know they could be called up at any time to leave their loved ones and go into harm's way, perhaps for an extended period of time. Many will never earn what they could have earned as civilians. And even if they never go overseas, they can't put down roots, and their spouses can't establish careers in one place because they move every few years.

I'm all for giving these dedicated men and women a medal even if they never have to look down the barrel of a gun.

Somebody always manages to say it better than I could. Thanks, Barb. You get it.