The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award that was established by the United States Congress in 2004 to recognize the service and sacrifices of members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Verifying the authenticity of an Iraq Campaign Medal is essential to ensure that it is genuine and not a counterfeit or fake medal. In this article, we will outline the 3 steps to verify an Iraq Campaign Medal, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you authenticate this prestigious award.
Understanding the Iraq Campaign Medal
The Iraq Campaign Medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who served in Iraq or in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between March 19, 2003, and December 31, 2011. The medal is awarded for service in three different categories: combat, campaign, and humanitarian. To verify an Iraq Campaign Medal, it is essential to understand the different categories and the eligibility criteria for each. The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for awarding the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) maintains the records of all medal recipients.
Eligibility criteria for the Iraq Campaign Medal include serving in Iraq or in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for at least 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The medal can also be awarded posthumously to service members who died in Iraq or as a result of injuries sustained in Iraq. Verification of service is crucial to determine eligibility for the medal, and this can be done through official military records and documentation.
Step 1: Check the Medal’s Design and Construction
The first step to verify an Iraq Campaign Medal is to examine its design and construction. The medal features a bronze medallion with a map of Iraq in the center, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. The medal is suspended from a ribbon with a broad green stripe in the center, flanked by narrower stripes of white, red, and white. The medal’s construction should be of high quality, with a solid feel and a smooth finish. The inscription on the medal should read “IRAQ CAMPAIGN” and “FOR SERVICE” on the obverse and reverse sides, respectively.
A genuine Iraq Campaign Medal will have a unique serial number engraved on the edge, which can be used to verify its authenticity. The medal’s clasp should also be securely attached and feature a functional pin-back mechanism. Any signs of tampering or alteration should raise suspicions about the medal’s authenticity.
| Medal Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Medallion | Bronze, featuring a map of Iraq in the center |
| Ribbon | Broad green stripe in the center, flanked by narrower stripes of white, red, and white |
| Inscription | "IRAQ CAMPAIGN" and "FOR SERVICE" on the obverse and reverse sides, respectively |
Step 2: Verify the Recipient’s Service Records
The second step to verify an Iraq Campaign Medal is to verify the recipient’s service records. This can be done by obtaining the service member’s DD Form 214, which is the official document issued by the DoD to verify a service member’s military service. The DD Form 214 should list the Iraq Campaign Medal as one of the awards and decorations received by the service member.
Service records can also be obtained from the NPRC, which maintains the records of all medal recipients. The NPRC can provide a certified copy of the service member’s records, which can be used to verify the authenticity of the medal. Unit records and operational reports can also provide valuable information about the service member’s deployment and service in Iraq.
Step 3: Check with the Awarding Authority
The third step to verify an Iraq Campaign Medal is to check with the awarding authority. The DoD is responsible for awarding the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Army Human Resources Command (AHRC) is the primary agency responsible for verifying the authenticity of the medal. The AHRC can provide a verification letter or a certified copy of the award order, which can be used to verify the authenticity of the medal.
Award orders and general orders can also be obtained from the DoD, which can provide detailed information about the award and the service member’s eligibility. Official documentation is essential to verify the authenticity of the medal, and any discrepancies or inconsistencies should be thoroughly investigated.
What is the purpose of the Iraq Campaign Medal?
+The Iraq Campaign Medal is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The medal recognizes the service and sacrifices of service members who served in Iraq or in support of the operation.
How can I verify the authenticity of an Iraq Campaign Medal?
+To verify the authenticity of an Iraq Campaign Medal, follow the 3 steps outlined in this article: check the medal's design and construction, verify the recipient's service records, and check with the awarding authority.
What documentation is required to verify the authenticity of an Iraq Campaign Medal?
+Documentation required to verify the authenticity of an Iraq Campaign Medal includes the service member's DD Form 214, service records, unit records, operational reports, award orders, and general orders.
In conclusion, verifying the authenticity of an Iraq Campaign Medal requires a thorough examination of the medal’s design and construction, verification of the recipient’s service records, and checking with the awarding authority. By following these 3 steps and obtaining the necessary documentation, you can ensure that the medal is genuine and not a counterfeit or fake medal. Remember to always handle the medal with care and store it in a secure location to preserve its condition and authenticity.
