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The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal

The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal
The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal - Obverse.

The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, also referred to as the Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Medal, is a bronze commemorative medal established by the United States Congress on November 5, 1990 (P.L. 101-510, 104 Stat. 1721).

To qualify for the award, individuals must have been members of the Armed Forces of the United States present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, and engaged in combat operations against Imperial Japanese military forces attacking Hawaii on that day. Those who were killed or wounded in the attack are considered to have participated in the combat operations.

Congress later expanded eligibility on September 23, 1996, allowing civilians who were present in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, and participated in combat operations against the attack to receive the award, regardless of their membership in the Armed Forces.

Next-of-kin of deceased individuals eligible for the award were permitted to apply for the medal, with one medal allotted per eligible person.

The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal Design

The medal is circular in shape and made of bronze. The obverse shows an mage of the harbor and an inscription reading “Remember Pearl Harbor – December 7 1941“. The reverse shows an eagle and the inscriptions “For Those Who Served” and “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”.

measures 1.5 inches in diameter and is non-portable, meaning it is not intended to be worn on clothing.

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