Nato Medal

The NATO Medal is a military campaign medal instituted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to recognize the service of military and civilian personnel who have participated in various NATO-led missions and operations since 1994. The medal is awarded with multiple clasps, each representing a specific NATO mission or operation.

Some notable clasps include:

• Former Yugoslavia
• Kosovo
• ISAF (International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan)
• Non-Article 5 (for NATO-led missions not covered by Article 5)

To be eligible for the NATO Medal, personnel must have served in a NATO-led mission or operation and met the specific service requirements for the relevant clasp. Both military and civilian personnel from NATO member countries and partner nations can be awarded the medal.

Design

The medal is designed as a circular medallion made of bronze. The obverse of the medal features the NATO star emblem surrounded by a wreath of olive leaves. The reverse of the medal displays the words "North Atlantic Treaty Organization" in English and French, the two official languages of NATO, encircled by the same olive wreath as on the obverse.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the NATO Medal features a central stripe of NATO blue, flanked by white stripes, which are then followed by narrower stripes of NATO blue and outer white stripes. The white stripes represent peace, while the blue stripes symbolize the Atlantic Ocean, reflecting NATO's commitment to the collective defense of its member nations.

The NATO Medal serves as a symbol of the service and dedication of military and civilian personnel who have participated in NATO-led missions and operations around the world. It is a testament to the alliance's commitment to maintaining international peace and security and the vital role that NATO plays in global affairs.