A Bronze medal, 1 3/8 inches in diameter, bearing on the obverse the NATO emblem (a four pointed star emitting a ray from each point superimposed on an annulet) enclosed in base by a wreath of olive. The reverse side has a band inscribed "NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION" at top and "ORGANISATION DU TRAITE DE LATLANTIQUE NORD" at the bottom. In the center is a sprig of olive between the inscription "IN SERVICE OF PEACE AND FREEDOM" above and "AU SERVICE DE LA PAIX ET DE LA LIBERTE" below.

The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 5/32 inch Yale Blue 67176; 1/8 inch White 67101; 13/16 inch Yale Blue; 1/8 inch White; and 5/32 inch Yale Blue.

The NATO Medal presentation set, received from a NATO representative, normally includes the regular size medal and ribbon bar. It may include a clasp denoting the specific operation for which the award was made. US Service members are authorized to retain the ribbon clasp if presented; however, the wearing of a ribbon clasp with the NATO Medal or service ribbon is not authorized. A miniature NATO Medal is available from commercial sources.

To recognize subsequent awards (if approved by the Secretary of Defense) for service in a different NATO operation, US Service members will affix a bronze service star to the NATO Medal suspension ribbon and service ribbon.

The NATO Medal will normally be presented by the SACEUR Headquarters exercising operational command or control over US military units or individuals prior to their departure from service with NATO.

The NATO Medal shall have the same precedence as the UN Medal, but shall rank immediately below the UN Medal when the wearer has been awarded both decorations.