ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY
The Inter-American Defense Board Medal was established by the 91st Session of the Inter-American Defense Board on December 11, 1945.
ACCEPTANCE BY THE UNITED STATES
Acceptance and wear of the Inter-American Defense Board Medal was authorized by Deputy Secretary of Defense Memorandum, "Acceptance and Wear of the Inter-American Defense Board Medal and Ribbon," May 12, 1981.
CRITERIA
The medal is awarded to all officers accredited to the Inter-American Defense Board, at the end of their service with the institution.
It is also awarded to specialized or subordinate military personnel from the Armed Forces of the member countries who serve in the Inter-American Defense Board Chairman's Office, on its Staff, with the Inter-American Defense College, or at its Secretariat, upon completion of their service.
In the case of military or civilian personnel from outside the Inter-American Defense Board who have rendered valuable service, within the frame of reference of the Board's activities, to the Board and its member countries, the medal can be awarded subject to prior recommendation to the Council of Delegates and qualification by the Protocol and Public Relations Commission. Award of the medal under such circumstances requires at least a two-thirds majority of active delegations.
DESIGNER
The medal was adapted from the Seal of the Inter-American Defense Board.
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
For the Army, this medal is worn after the United Nations Korean Medal and before the United Nations Medal. For all other services, it is worn after the Multinational Force and Observers Medal and before the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
DEVICES
Depending on the case, stars or bars may be placed on the ribbon in accordance with the level of distinction obtained, reflected by the number and color of the stars in the case of offices, and by the number and color of stripes for specialized or subordinate personnel, in accordance with the following:
- One silver star or silver stripe for those who have served for one year.
- One gold star or gold stripe for those who have served for two years.
- Two gold stars or gold stripes for those who have served for three to five years.
- The gold stars or gold stripes for those who have served for more than five years.
Obverse
In the center of a gold-colored, antiqued bronze medallion, a Mercator's projection of the earth showing North and South America. The globe is surrounded by a circular array of flags, representing the twenty-one charter member nations.
The design of the obverse of the medal is adapted from IADB shield, but is shown without its outermost band (which contains stars and the inscription INTER-AMERICAN DEFENSE BOARD.
Reverse
The reverse of the Inter-American Defense Board medal is blank.
Ribbon
The ribbon to the Inter-American Defense Board medal consists of five vertical color bands representing the colors of the twenty-one charter nations. The colors, from left to right, are: red, white, blue, yellow, and green.