Members are eligible for this medal if they participated in the initial landing operations on Leyte or adjoining islands from Oct. 17, 1944 to Oct. 20, 1944. Personnel are considered as having participated in such operations if they landed on Leyte or adjoining islands, were on ships in Philippine waters, or were crew members of airplanes that flew over Philippine territory during the period.
Members are also eligible if they participated in any engagement against the enemy during the campaign on Leyte and adjoining islands. Personnel are considered as having participated in such operations if they were members of or present with units actually under enemy fire or air attack or were crewmembers in an airplane under enemy aerial or ground fire.