NDSM
Military abbreviation · Military Award and Decoration
| Stands for | National Defense Service Medal |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
NDSM stands for National Defense Service Medal, a military award and decoration abbreviation.
US medal awarded to members who served on active duty during designated periods of national emergency, including the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the period after September 11, 2001.
Example: Every soldier in the formation wore the NDSM, the most common ribbon in the military.
Usage notes
The post-9/11 eligibility period ended on December 31, 2022. A bronze star is added for service in more than one eligible period. Reserve members also qualify under certain conditions. It is often the first ribbon new recruits wear.
Related abbreviations
More military award and decoration abbreviations
- AAM – Army Achievement Medal
- ACM – Afghanistan Campaign Medal
- AFC – Air Force Cross
- AFCM – Air Force Commendation Medal
- AFEM – Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- ARCOM – Army Commendation Medal
- ASR – Army Service Ribbon
- BSM – Bronze Star Medal
- CAB – Combat Action Badge
- CAR – Combat Action Ribbon
- CIB – Combat Infantryman Badge
- CMB – Combat Medical Badge