NATO Medal - Service Versions

Service Versions

To differentiate between the versions of the NATO Medal, a different ribbon pattern scheme is used for each of the decorations. The NATO Medal for Yugoslavia Service consists of a blue ribbon with two thin white stripes on each side, very similar in appearance to the United Nations Medal. The NATO Medal for Kosovo service appears as a mixed blue and white stripped ribbon, with white stripes on the side as well as a wide white central stripe. The NATO Medal for Macedonia appears as a blue and white mixed ribbon with four white stripes. The Article 5 NATO Medal for Operation Eagle Assist has a blue background with a thin central golden stripe surrounded by white stripes. The Article 5 Medal for Operation Active Endeavour has a blue background with two thin golden colored stripes surrounded by white stripes. The Non-Article 5 medal for the Balkans operations consists of a blue background with a central silver stripe surrounded by white stripes. The Non Article 5 Medal for ISAF, and NTM-I operations consists of a blue background with two silver stripes surrounded by white stripes. The NATO Meritorious Service Medal consists of a blue background with silver and white stripes on the outer most portion of the ribbon, and the medallion color is changed from bronze in appearance to a silver medallion for this medal only. All medals except the Macedonian NATO Medal have corresponding campaign clasps, however some militaries (such as the United States) prohibit the wearing of the medal with a clasp and instead authorize service stars. For U.S. Forces, service stars indicate additional awards to the NATO Medal. In cases where a U.S. service member has received both NATO Medals, they are only entitled to wear the medal or ribbon of the first awarded, however most military services besides the U.S. will allow both decorations to be worn simultaneously as they are considered separate awards.

In the USA, NATO medals authorized for wear include the NATO Medal for Former Yugoslavia, the NATO Medal for Kosovo Service, both of the Article 5 Medals, the Non-Article 5 medals for the Balkans and Afghanistan (ISAF), The NATO Meritorious Service Medal and the Macedonia NATO Medal and the Non-Article 5 Medal for service in Iraq, under the NTM-I.