Antarctica Service Medal

The Antarctica Service Medal (ASM) is a commendation awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who meet specific criteria while serving in Antarctica.

Authorization and Historical Context

The ASM was authorized by Public Law 86-600 on July 7, 1960, and is effective for service rendered on or after January 1, 1946. It recognizes the unique contributions and sacrifices made by personnel deployed in support of U.S. operations in Antarctica.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the ASM includes participation in U.S. expeditions in Antarctica or involvement in foreign Antarctic expeditions under U.S. sponsorship. The operational area encompasses all the Antarctic continent and geographical areas south of latitude 60 degrees South. The criteria vary slightly between land and air operations:

• Land Operations: Any service member who participates as a member of a U.S. expedition in Antarctica or as part of a foreign expedition that is officially supported by the U.S. federal government may be eligible.

• Air Operations: For crews of aircraft providing logistical support to operations in Antarctica, regulations state different points of participation based on the timeframes set from July 1987 to present. As recently as October 1999, aircrews can qualify after completing ten missions to locations south of latitude 60 degrees South, where one flight in and out within a 24-hour period counts as one mission.

Additionally, personnel who are in Antarctica for wintering over will earn special recognitions.

Subsequent Awards and Devices

Subsequent awards of the ASM are denoted by the bronze star on the ribbon; silver stars are used for five bronze stars. The ASM features unique devices: the "Wintered Over" clasp, awarded to those who wintered on the continent, with variations for multiple wintering periods indicated by bronze, gold, or silver clasps or disks worn on the medal's suspension ribbon.

Award Elements

The ASM consists of a full-size medal and a ribbon; importantly, there is no citation or certificate issued upon its approval.

Awarding Authority

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is responsible for maintaining the eligibility lists and approving awards related to the ASM.

Notable Recipients

The ASM can also be awarded to foreign military personnel under specific criteria, making it a unique commendation among U.S. military awards.