Offered for auction is a nice original and not that easy to find boxed American defense medal bar with ribbon bar, original box and medal itself. Great 100% original award in good condition for its age; it has a nice age tarnish! The box is in used but overall OK to nice condition, see photo's. See all photo's for an important own impression, as they are part of the description. Great medal for your WW2 collection! History of the medal The American Defense Service Medal was a military award of the United States Armed Forces, established by Executive Order 8808, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, on June 28, 1941.[1][2] The medal was intended to recognize those military service members who had served on active duty between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. A similar medal, known as the American Campaign Medal, was established in 1942, for service in the American Theater during the World War II era. History The American Defense Service Medal was established by Executive Order 8808, on 28 June 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 17, 1941. The criteria for the medal was announced in War Department Circular 44, on 13 February 1942. The service ribbon design was approved by the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy on January 7, 1942. The medal was designed by Mr. Lee Lawrie, a civilian sculptor from Easton, Maryland. The model was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts on May 5, 1942.[2][3]