• We are a national organization of former and current armed forces members having served, or currently serving, in the Republic of Korea.

  • We lead the fight during the cease-fire period to end almost half a century of lack of respect and lack of proper recognition by the Pentagon and the UN for historically hostile and dangerous service begun 28 July 1954.

  • We initiated, coordinated, and implemented the plan that led to the successful passing of Bills in Congress to award of the Korea Defense Service Medal and Korea Defense Combat Recognition.  We are the organization of record with Congress.  No other veterans organization can truthfully make this claim.

  • We are pre-Korean War, Korean War, and Cease-fire veterans dedicated to our fallen brothers and sisters from every era.

  • We are pre-Korean War veterans whose service is unknown to most Americans.

  • We are Korean War veterans who served in the "FORGOTTEN WAR".

  • We Cease-fire veterans are former and current armed forces members deployed to a combat zone under a state-of-war along the most heavily fortified border in the world with constant imminent danger for a longer duty tour than any operation prior to the war on terrorism.

  • We Cease-fire veterans are recipients of more hostile acts than any deployment prior to the war on terrorism except for Vietnam.

  • We Cease-fire veterans are recipients of more KIA, WIA, and POW than any operation prior to the war on terrorism except for Vietnam.

  • We Cease-fire veterans are former and current armed services members who were caught in a double-standard regarding medal awards and combat recognition during the cease-fire period.

  • We are all loyal Americans who are proud of our service to Our Nation.

  • We are all loyal Americans who are proud to have served in defense of the Republic of Korea and in the cause of Freedom as part of the United Nations Command during the 50 plus years of United Nations efforts to bring a final end to the war and reunify the Koreas as a free and democratic people.

1) The mission is to bring respect, recognition and prestige to every member of the Armed Forces previously or currently stationed on occupation duty or in defense of the Republic of Korea since the end of World War II.

2) To honor and perpetuate the memory of U.S. Armed Forces members who have distinguished themselves by their service and supreme sacrifice during the Occupation, War, and prolonged Korea cease-fire, and to bring public awareness to their deeds.

3) To do our part in bringing home our POW/MIA's.

4) To consolidate and broaden the invisible bonds of comradeship fused by service during war, and service under constant imminent danger without recognition, and to preserve those bonds common to Korea service veterans.

  • The Organization shall not engage in any partisan political activities, or give political sway.

  • No political favors or remuneration shall accrue to the benefit of any individual member.

  • The Organization will not solicit monies, or budget monies, for any lobbying organization or activities under any conditions whatsoever.

  • The Organization shall not engage in any profit making activities, and no favors, profits or earnings shall accrue to its benefit


The KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (KDSM) is a new campaign/service medal that became effective on 2 December 2002 when President G.W. Bush signed the National Defense Authorization FY 2003. 

The Korea Defense Veterans of America, a national veterans organization, started the grass roots movement in 1999 to create and award this medal.  A resolution was created and it was used to petition the Defense Department to create and award all former and current armed forces personnel that served in the Republic of Korea between 28 July 1954 and a date to be determined with this earned and deserved medal. 

Read (KDSM Resolution, Click Here).  Read (Proposed KDSM description, Click Here)

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the American Legion created Resolutions No. 459 and No. 68 respectively, at the National level, to award the Korea Defense Service Medal. See below for recognition.

Representative Elton Gallegly (R-CA 24th) submitted House Bill, H.R.1935, THE KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL ACT on 22 May 2001.  This bill instructed the Secretary of Defense to create and award the KDSM to members of all service branches that served in the R.O.K. FROM 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the SECDEF. 

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) submitted Senate Bill, S.999, a companion bill on 7 June 2001.  This bill also instructed the Secretary of Defense to create and award the KDSM to members of all service branches that served in the R.O.K. from 28 July 1954 to a date to be determined by the SECDEF. 

The Bill text can be read on this web site.  (Read the Bill, Click Here).

Recognition:  The KDVA wishes to thank the following VFW and American Legion Posts and Departments for initiating resolutions within their respective National organizations:

Tri-Boro Memorial VFW Post 5479, Dunellen, NJ - KDSM Resolution No. 1
VFW Department of New Jersey - KDSM Resolution No. 459
Wallace Chafee VFW Post 1679, Ventura, CA - KDSM Resolution
VFW Department of California - KDSM Resolution No. 464
VFW Department of Michigan - KDSM Resolution No. 469
American Legion Department of Maryland - KDSM Resolution No. 68

 

KOREA DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL

 

 

OBVERSE

 

REVERSE

RIBBON:  Dark green represents the land of Korea, blue indicates overseas service and commitment to achieving peace.  Gold denotes excellence, white symbolizes idealism and integrity. 

OBVERSE: 

            Description:  A bronze-color disc bearing a Korean "circle dragon" within an encircling scroll inscribed "Korea Defense Service Medal" with, in base, two sprigs, laurel to dexter side, bamboo to sinister.

            Symbolism:  The four-clawed dragon is a traditional symbol of Korea and represents intelligence and strength of purpose.  The sprig of laurel denotes honorable endeavor and victory, the bamboo refers to Asia.    

REVERSE: 

            Description:  A representation of the land mass of Korea surmounted by two swords points up saltirewise within a circlet garnished of five points.

            Symbolism:  The swords placed saltirewise over a map of Korea signify defense of freedom in that country and the readiness to engage in combat to that end.  The circlet enclosing the device recalls the forms of five-petal symbols common in Korean armory.