To receive this medal, military veterans must have served in the country of Korea, its territorial waters, or airspace within the inclusive period of June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.  Service must have been performed while on permanent assignment in Korea, or while on temporary duty in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, or while as a crewmember of aircraft in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations, or in support of combat operations.
Veterans who served in Japan, Guam, Okinawa, or the Philippines are not eligible for this medal.