Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal

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The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, also known as the Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Medal, is a decoration of the United States military which was established by the United States Congress in 1991. The medal recognizes veterans of the U.S. military who were present at the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which caused the United States of America to enter World War II.

To be awarded the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal, a service member must have served on active duty with the United States military on December 7, 1941 and must have been present in the geographical region of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii during the attack by Japanese air forces. Civilian employees of the government may be awarded the decoration if they were killed or wounded in the attack.

The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal is retroactive by design and is not intended to be worn or displayed on a military uniform. Unlike other commemorative medals, however, the Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal requires an application from the service veteran, to the United States military, for the decoration to be awarded. The Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal is therefore considered an official military award of the United States armed forces.