Update May 27, 2003:  The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has approved the design for the Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) created by The Institute of Heraldry (TIOH). The medal is now being developed by TIOH. The policy proposal and implementation instructions are currently in the finalization process and are being routed through the appropriate channels. The Office of the Secretary of Defense estimates that the development and production of the medal, and the approved implementation policy/instructions, could take up to a year to be completed.

Updated Mar 19, 2003:  The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is reviewing the design proposal for the Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) created by The Institute of Heraldry (TIOH). Once the proposal is approved, it is estimated that production will take up to a year given anticipated volume. The Office of the Secretary of Defense is also drafting implementing instructions. Once this is completed, coordination will be made with all of the Services and the Joint Staff.

Updated Dec 17, 2002:  The Department highly values the service of our Korean War veterans and appreciates the desire of Congress to further recognize their service. We are currently reviewing the best means to expeditiously award the Korean Defense Service Medal as provided for in Fiscal Year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act. Some of the actions which must be completed are designing the medal, obtaining necessary funding, developing policy for issuance and wear, and processing (to include verification of service) award of the medal. The first three actions should be completed in approximately 4 - 6 months.

Given the shear volume of anticipated recipients, the expected time when one can expect to be awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal is difficult to estimate because of how long it will take to identify, notify and award the medal to eligible former service members. The Department's previous experiences when creating Service Medals is the entire process can be up to a year.