This award is authorized by the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for specific NATO operations relating to the Republic of Yugoslavia. In accordance with Executive Order 11446, the Secretary of Defense, with concurrence of the Secretary of State, has approved acceptance and wear by U.S. service members who meet criteria specified by the Secretary General of NATO.
Acceptance of the NATO Medal has been approved for U.S. military personnel who serve under NATO command or operational control in direct support of NATO operations in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, or as designated by Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), from July 1, 1992 – Oct. 12, 1998.