Honoring Sacrifice: Ribbons Awarded To Afghanistan Veterans

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award given to members of the United States Armed Forces and British Forces who have served in Afghanistan. To be eligible for the ACM, personnel must have served within the borders of Afghanistan (including its airspace) for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal is also awarded to those who have engaged in combat or have been wounded in combat, regardless of the number of days spent in the country. In addition to the ACM, there are various other campaign medals and ribbons that are awarded to military personnel for their service in Afghanistan, such as the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal, the Civilian Service Medal, and the NATO ISAF Medal.

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is awarded to military personnel who have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award that recognises the service of members of the United States Armed Forces. It was established by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004, and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

The ACM is awarded to military personnel who have served within the borders of Afghanistan (including its airspace) for a specific duration. The eligibility criteria require either 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days of active duty in the country. This eligibility period is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and remained active until Operation Allies Refuge concluded on August 31, 2021.

It is important to note that personnel who have engaged in combat with enemy forces or have been wounded in combat within Afghanistan may receive the ACM regardless of the number of days spent in the country. Additionally, the medal is awarded posthumously to service members who lost their lives in the line of duty within Afghanistan, including those who succumbed to non-combat injuries, accidents, or mishaps.

The ACM serves as a recognition of the sacrifices and contributions made by military personnel during their service in Afghanistan. It is a testament to their dedication, bravery, and commitment to their duties, honouring their role in defending the nation and protecting its interests abroad.

The ACM was created by Executive Order 13363 by President George W. Bush in 2004

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces. It was created by Executive Order 13363, signed by President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004, and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The ACM was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

Executive Order 13363, also known as the "Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals" order, established the criteria for awarding the ACM and the Iraq Campaign Medal (ICM). The ACM recognises members of the uniformed services of the United States who have served in Afghanistan or its contiguous airspace for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until Operation Allies Refuge ended on August 31, 2021. Personnel who engaged in combat or were wounded in combat within Afghanistan may receive the ACM regardless of the number of days spent in the country. The medal can also be awarded posthumously to any service member who died in the line of duty within Afghanistan, including from non-combat injuries.

The ACM's design reflects the colours of the new Afghanistan flag, with red, white, and blue also representing the United States and its allies. The medal features a map of Afghanistan above a range of mountains, with the inscription "AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGN" around the top. The reverse side depicts a radiating demi-sun superimposed by an eagle's head, with the inscription "FOR SERVICE IN AFGHANISTAN" enclosed by a laurel wreath.

The ACM is worn before the ICM and directly follows the Kosovo Campaign Medal in the order of precedence. The ACM replaced the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for personnel who served in Afghanistan. Service members who previously received the latter medal for Afghanistan service could choose to exchange it for the ACM. However, both medals cannot be awarded for the same period of service in Afghanistan.

Personnel engaged in combat or wounded in combat are eligible for the ACM regardless of the number of days spent in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award for members of the United States Armed Forces. It was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush in 2004 and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The ACM is awarded to military personnel who have served active duty within the borders of Afghanistan (including its airspace) for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. This award is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until Operation Allies Refuge ended on August 31, 2021.

Personnel engaged in combat with enemy forces or wounded in combat are eligible for the ACM regardless of the number of days spent in Afghanistan. This includes non-combat injuries, such as accidents and mishaps. Any personnel killed in action while serving in Afghanistan are also posthumously awarded the ACM.

The ACM has specific eligibility requirements. Service members must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating within the designated area of eligibility (AOE), encompassing all land areas of Afghanistan and its airspace. Those who meet the following criteria are also eligible:

• Engaged in actual combat during an armed engagement, regardless of time spent in the AOE.
• Wounded, killed, or injured and requiring medical evacuation from the AOE while on official duties. Non-combat medical evacuation is included.
• Participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into or over the AOE in direct support of military operations. Each day of operations counts as one day toward the 30 or 60-day requirement.

The ACM recognises the service and sacrifices of US military personnel in Afghanistan, ensuring that those who faced combat or were wounded receive this honour regardless of the duration of their deployment.

The ACM is also awarded posthumously to service members killed in action or from non-combat injuries

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush in 2004. It is awarded to any member of the US military who has served within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal is also awarded to those who have engaged in combat or been wounded in combat, regardless of the number of days spent in the country.

The ACM is a recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of service members who put their lives on the line in the line of duty. It is a way to honour those who have served and made sacrifices to protect others. The medal is a testament to their dedication, courage, and selfless service.

The families of the fallen service members receive the ACM on their behalf. This recognition brings some solace to the grieving families, knowing that their loved ones' service and sacrifice are acknowledged and appreciated by the nation. It is a reminder that their loved ones will always be remembered for their bravery and commitment to protecting others.

The stories of service members who received the ACM posthumously showcase their heroism and dedication. For example, the story of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, who was among the 13 service members killed in the Kabul attack in August 2021. Knauss's wife, Alena, shared that he was "blissfully happy" serving his country and that he would have no regrets. Another example is Cpl. Hunter Lopez, who was also killed in the Kabul attack. Lopez's father, Steve, shared that his son "loved what he was doing" and that he was devoted to his role as a Marine. These stories of courage and sacrifice embody the values of the ACM and the honour it confers.

Campaign stars, arrowhead devices, and other insignia are authorised to be worn on the ACM service ribbon

The Afghanistan Campaign Medal (ACM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces. It was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004, and became available for general distribution in June 2005. The ACM is awarded to any member of the United States military who has served within the borders of Afghanistan (or its airspace) for a period of thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days. The medal is retroactive to October 24, 2001, and was active until Operation Allies Refuge concluded on August 31, 2021.

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