ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY
The Women's Army Corps Service Medal was established by Executive Order 9365 signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 29, 1943, and implemented by War Department Bulletin 17 (1943).
EFFECTIVE DATES
The Women's Army Corps Service Medal was awarded for qualifying service between the inclusive dates of July 10, 1942, and September 2, 1945.
CRITERIA
The Women's Army Corps Service Medal was awarded to female members of the Army for military service under either of the following:
- In the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps between July 10, 1942, and August 31, 1943.
- In the Women's Army Corps between September l, 1943, and September 2, 1945 .
The Women's Army Corps Service Medal was worn after the American Defense Service Medal and before the American Campaign Medal.
DEVICES
No devices were authorized for the Women's Army Corps Service Medal.
DESIGNER
The Women's Army Corps Service Medal was designed by Thomas Hudson Jones (1892-1969).
FIRST RECIPIENT
The identity of the first recipient of the Women's Army Corps Service Medal was not recorded.
DESCRIPTION AND SYMBOLISM
Obverse
In the center of a bronze medallion one and a quarter inches in diameter, the bust of Pallas Athena is shown superimposed on a sheathed sword crossed with oak leaves and a palm branch. In the upper quarter of the medal, following the contour of the rim, the words WOMEN'S and in the lower portion of the medal, ARMY CORPS.
The Pallas Athena is the Goddess of Victory and Wisdom and in Greek mythology is considered to be one of greater gods, wise in both the industries of peace and war (which are alluded to by the sword and palm).
Reverse
In the center of a bronze medallion one and a quarter inches in diameter, and within an arrangement of thirteen stars, a scroll with the words FOR SERVICE IN THE WOMEN'S ARMY AUXILIARY CORPS (in four lines). An eagle with open wings is perched on top of the scroll, and in the lower portion of the medal (following the contour of its rim), the dates 1942 - 1943. In the center of the scroll, in large letters, are the initials US.
The thirteen stars represent the original colonies and therefore the United States of America, as further alluded to by the initials US. The eagle is the American bald eagle. The dates are those for which the medal was authorized.
Ribbon
The ribbon of the Women's Army Corps Service Medal consists of a field of moss green edged in gold. The colors of the ribbon were those of the Women's Army Corps.