Just got this via e-mail today:

--Department of Defense has announced on 1 May that servicemembers on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible to receive the National Defense Service Medal.

NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense

No. 224-02
(703)697-5131(media)
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2002
(703)697-5737(public/industry)

ARMED FORCES RECOGNIZED WITH NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
The Department of Defense announced today that servicemembers on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible to receive the National Defense Service Medal.
"The sacrifices and contributions made by the Armed Forces in direct response to the terrorism attacks on the United States and to the long-term resolution of terrorism merit special recognition," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz.

The National Defense Service Medal may also be awarded to members of the Reserve components who are ordered to federal active duty, regardless of duration, except for certain categories.

While no closing date has been established, eligible servicemembers can receive the award immediately.

The National Defense Service Medal was first established by President Eisenhower in 1953, and was subsequently awarded for honorable active service for any period between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954, between Jan. 1, 1961 and Aug. 14, 1974, and between Aug. 2, 1990 and Nov. 30, 1995.

The National Defense Service Medal is on the web at
http://www-perscom.army.mil/tagd/tioh/Awards/NATIONAL%20DEFENSE%20SERVICE%20MEDAL1.htm.

Well deserved.

Anthony

My personnel officer has sent a message to a friend at AR-PERSCOM for clarification and guidance on this issue.

Thanks Rob,
I'll pass this on to my operations NCO next week when i have drill. I know the guys who got pulled for airport duty will be gladd to recieve this. I already have mine from Desert Storm.