Antarctica Service Medal

Service: All Services
Instituted: July 7, 1960
Dates: 1946 to Present
Criteria: 30 calendar days of service on the Antarctic Continent.
Devices: All Services: Bronze, Gold, Silver disks (denote bars below)  Bronze Stars (Coast Guard only)
Bars: “Wintered Over” in Bronze, Gold, Silver

Antarctica Service Medal History and Criteria

Authorized on July 7, 1960 and awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, from January 2, 1946, as a member of a U.S. Antarctic expedition, participates in, or performs services in direct support of scientific or exploratory operations on the Antarctic Continent. Qualifying service includes personnel who participate in flights or naval operations supporting operations in Antarctica. The Antarctica Service Medal may also be awarded to any U.S. citizen who participates in Antarctic expeditions under the same conditions as Service personnel.

Antarctica Service Medal Design

The front of the medal depicts a figure appropriately clothed in cold weather gear with his hood thrown back, arms extended and legs spread, symbolizing stability, determination, courage and devotion. The reverse depicts a map of the Antarctic continent in polar projection across which are three centered lines containing the inscription, “COURAGE SACRIFICE  DEVOTION.”

Antarctica Service Medal

A clasp containing the raised inscription, “WINTERED OVER” is worn on the medal and a disc of the same metal, containing the outline of the Antarctic Continent is worn on the ribbon bar if the individual remains on the continent during the winter months. For the first stay, the disc and bar are made of bronze, for the second stay, they are gold-colored and for the third and all subsequent winter tours, the devices are silver. The Coast Guard alone specifies the small three-sixteenths inch diameter bronze star as an additional award device.

Medals of America has been the premier supplier of Military Medals, Air Force Ribbons, Coast Guard Ranks and Military Badges since 1976. Be sure to stop by for your Antarctica Service Medal and to shop our huge selection of military gear.

Other posts you might like:

Campaign, Service & Training Awards - Understanding US Military AwardsIn the area of campaign, service and training awards, the Services have again developed different rules and regulations. Air Force award regulations, for example, ... Coast Guard Arctic Service MedalService: All ServicesInstituted: 1976 (retro-active to 1946)Dates: 1946 to PresentCriteria: Established in 1976 by Admiral Owen W. Siler, USCG and is awarded to any ... United Nations Korea Service MedalService: All ServicesInstituted: 1951Devices: NoneCriteria: Service on behalf of the United Nations in Korea between 27 June 1950 and 27 July 1954.Notes: Above date ...