Established on March 12, 2003, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal honors military personnel who have carried out service on overseas deployments in support of efforts in the War on Terror on or after September 11, 2001. It is used primarily to recognize service in countries other than Iraq and Afghanistan, which have their own corresponding campaign medals.
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the Department of Transportation created awards to honor civilians and military personnel who assisted in subsequent relief efforts. The Transportation 9-11 Medal was established in 2002 to honor civilians and military personnel who carried out heroic and courageous acts directly following the September 11 attacks.
Established on November 29, 2004, by then-President George W. Bush, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal honors United States military personnel who carried out service in the country of Afghanistan or its airspace. It may also be awarded to personnel who lost their life while serving in Afghanistan.
