Iraq, Afghanistan campaign medals due in stores

Army Times:

The medals, which recognize service of 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days on military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, should be “in the stores this week,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

I find this interesting, and happen to agree 100% with the Bush administration’s position:

The Bush administration long opposed the separate medals, insisting that a single Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal was sufficient to recognize military service in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere overseas.

Congress last year overrode the White House and passed Public Law 108-234 to create separate medals. Bush signed the law May 28, 2004.

I’m not sure about the history of such things, such as similar medals for World War 2. Were there separate equivalent medals for the European and Pacific theaters? For North Africa, Italy, and the main Continental invasion?

I don’t know the answer. I’m asking. I imagine that at least a few MO readers have the answer.

Full details on eligibility are at Defense Link.

#Posted by Murdoc at 11:48
World War 4