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National Defense Service Medal
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
National Defense Service Medal
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

National Defense Service Medal

Artifact SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017
Artifact ID2017.6.14.a-b
Object Type Medal
Date 2003
Medium metal (bronze), textile, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.a: Medal) H 2 3/4 in x W 1 3/8 in x D 1/4 in (7 cm x 3.5 cm x 0.6 cm )
 Overall - 3D (.b: Bar Pin) H 1/2 in x W 1 1/2 in x D 1/2 in (1.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 1.3 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionA bronze military medal hung from a length of ribbon (.a) and a bar pin covered with a ribbon (.b). The obverse side of the medal has a relief of an eagle with inverted wings, standing on sword. The reverse side of the medal has a shield at center, with a laurel wreath along the underside. The ribbon on both the ribbon bar and the medal is red with a vertical yellow stripe at center, surrounded by a thin band of red, blue, and white on either side of it. The medal is attached to a brass bar with horizontal pin at back. The ribbon bar has two pins at back, with a clasp secured to each.
Inscriptions and MarkingsEngraved on obverse: NATIONAL DEFENSE
Custodial History / ProvenanceThis item is material associated with various agencies and offices during the Obama administration and maintained as government property until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesObama Administration Collection 2009-2017 (National Archives Identifier 66540607)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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