Campaign and Service Medals
Antarctica Service Medal


Description

A Bronze medal, 1 inches in diameter, with a view of a polar landscape and the standing figure in Antarctica clothing facing to the front between the horizontally placed words "ANTARCTICA" on the figures right and "SERVICE" on the figures left. On the reverse is a polar projection with geodesic lines of the continent of Antarctica across which are the horizontally placed words "COURAGE", "SACRIFICE", and "DEVOTION", all within a circular decorative border of penguins and marine life.

On a metal clasp, 1 inches in width and inch in height, inscribed with the words "WINTERED OVER" in raised letters within a 1/32 inch rim. The metal color of the clasp is Bronze for the first winter, Gold for the second winter and Silver for the third winter.

On a metal disc, 5/16 inch in diameter, a superimposed delineation of the Antarctica continent. The metal color of the ribbon attachment is Bronze for the first winter, Gold for the second winter and Silver for the third winter.


Ribbon

The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of a 3/16 inch Black stripe on each edge and graded from a White stripe in the center to a Pale Blue, Light Blue, Greenish Blue, and Medium Blue.


Criteria
See Army Regulation 600-8-22, Military Awards.

Components

The following are authorized components and related items:

a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/229. NSN 8455-00-965-1708 for full size medal and ribbon bar.

b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/229. Available commercially.

c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/11. NSN 8455-00-965-1707. Available commercially.

d. Lapel Button: MIL-L-11484/65. NSN 8455-00-985-7453.

e. Attachments: Wintered Over Clasp: MIL-R-41819/17. Bronze clasp is NSN 8455-00-082-3070, Gold clasp is NSN 8455-00-082-3071, and Silver clasp is NSN 8455-00-082-3072. Miniature clasps are available commercially. The stock numbers for the disc are: Bronze 8455-00-082-3073; Gold 8455-00-082-3074; and Silver 8455-00-082-3075.


Background

The Antarctica Service Medal was established by Public Law 86-600 and promulgated in Department of Defense (DOD) Instructions 1348.9 and announced in Department of the Army (DA) Bulletin 3, 1960.

The Navy was designated as the lead Service for DOD in coordination of the new medal. On 28 November 1960, the Navy requested the Quartermaster Generals Office (The Institute of Heraldry) provide proposed designs and assist in development. Proposed designs were forwarded and the Under Secretary of the Navy approved a design on 17 May 1962. Development was completed and samples provided to the Under Secretary of the Navy on 3 December 1962.






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