Established on August 23, 1940, the China Service Medal honor members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who carried out service between July 7, 1937 and September 7, 1939 and/or between September 2, 1945 and April 1, 1957. To be eligible, personnel must have served on shore in China or on designated vessels supporting operations in China.
The medal is bronze and features the image of a Chinese junk asail within a stylized inscription reading “CHINA SERVICE.” The reverse features an eagle atop an anchor and grasping laurel sprigs with an inscription reading “FOR SERVICE” and another indicating the applicable branch of service. The ribbon is yellow and features a thin vertical red stripe toward each edge.
Service during both eligible terms is indicated by a bronze star.