The Korean Service Medal was established by President Truman per Executive Order 10179, dated 8 November 1950, and announced in DA Bulletin 21, 1950. The design, created by Mr. Thomas J. Jones, uses the symbols associated with Korea to reflect service in that Country.
There were ten campaigns designated for the Korean War and displayed as streamers on the Army flag. The campaign streamers are of the same design as the suspension ribbon for the metal. A bronze star is worn on the ribbon to indicate individual participation for each campaign. The inscriptions on the Army flag streamers are:
- UN Defensive 27 Jun - 15 Sep 50
- UN Offensive 16 Sep - 2 Nov 50
- CCF Intervention 3 Nov 50 - 24 Jan 51
- First UN Counteroffensive 25 Jan - 21 Apr 51
- CCF Spring Offensive 22 Apr - 8 Jul 51
- UN Summer-Fall Offensive 9 Jul - 27 Nov 51
- Second Korean Winter 28 Nov 51 - 30 Apr 52
- Korean, Summer-Fall 1952 1 May - 30 Nov 52
- Third Korean Winter 1 Dec 52 - 30 Apr 53
- Korean, Summer 1953 1 May - 27 Jul 53
Order of precedence and wear policy for service medals awarded to Army personnel is contained in AR 670-1. Policy for awards, approving authority and supply of medals is contained in AR 600-8-22. Policy for display of campaign streamers on guidons/flags and supply of streamers is contained in Chapter 9, AR 840-10.