Inter-American Defense Board Medal

The Inter-American Defense Board Medal is an international military award which was created on December 11, 1945, by the 91st session of the Inter-American Defense Board, a Pan-American defense group devoted to the security of the member countries of the Organization of American States.

The Inter-American Defense Board Medal is awarded to any military officer, serving in a member nation of the Organization of American States, who completes a tour of service with the Inter-American Defense Board. The award is also presented to military personnel who serve on the staff of the IADB Chairman, Secretariat, or for those who complete instructor tours at the Inter-American Defense College.

The Inter-American Defense Board Medal is a one-time decoration but may be upgraded with award stars depending on the length of time an individual serves with the Inter-American Defense Board. A silver service star or bar is awarded for one year of service; a gold star or bar for two; two gold bars or stars for between three years and five; and three gold stars or bars for more than five years' service.U.S. military personnel who have been awarded the Inter-American Defense Board Medal and ribbon may wear them when attending meetings, ceremonies, or other functions where Latin American members of the Board are present.

United States
In the United States, the Inter-American Defense Board Medal was only recognized as a military award in May 1981. Since that time, the Inter-American Defense Board Medal had been approved for wear on United States military uniforms, ranking below United States decorations and before the military awards of individual foreign countries.

Other similar awards
Similar international military awards include the NATO Medal, United Nations Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Multinational Force and Observers Medal.