The Philippine Defense Medal

The Philippine Defense Medal - Obverse.

Time Period: Post-WW2 Period?
Year of Institution: ?
Country: Republic of The Philippines

The Philippine Defense Medal, a military decoration of the Republic of the Philippines, acknowledges the initial resistance against the Japanese invasion spanning from December 8, 1941, to June 15, 1942.

Initially established as the Philippine Defense Ribbon in December 1944, it was later upgraded to a full-sized medal in July 1945.

The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded to United States and Philippine Commonwealth troops who defended the Philippines at Bataan and subsequently endured the Bataan Death March.

The Philippine Defense Medal Criteria

The Philippine Defense Medal is bestowed upon any service member, whether from the Philippine military or an allied armed force, who took part in defending the Philippine Islands during the specified period. This includes engagement against the enemy on Philippine territory, in Philippine waters, or in the airspace above. Individuals qualify if they:

(A) Participated in any engagement against the enemy, such as:

Serving in the defense garrison of the Bataan Peninsula or fortified islands at the entrance to Manila Bay.
Being present with a unit under enemy fire or air attack.
Serving on a ship under enemy fire or air attack.
Being a crewmember or passenger in an aircraft under enemy aerial or ground fire.

(B) Were assigned or stationed in Philippine territory or waters for at least 30 days during the period.

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