Context

Operation Eagle Assist began on 12 October 2001 following the North Atlantic Council’s decision on 4 October to take measures to implement Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. This was done following the terrorist attacks against the United States on 11 September 2001 and the mission’s aim was to assist US Forces to control North American airspace. The mission was deemed complete on 16 May 2002.

Eligibility and Criteria

Awarded to NAEW&C crews that have served thirty days continuous or accumulated service in the air space of United States of America, and the air space of North America as tasked by NORAD between 12 October 2001 and 16 May 2002:

Aircrew will accumulate one day’s service for the first sortie flown of any day in the Area of Operation; additional sorties flown on the same day receive no further credit. This requirement exists for support as well as combat aircraft, support aircraft including tanker, airlift and surveillance platforms.

Description

The Medal is circular in form and made of bronze, and bearing:

on the obverse, the NATO star set in a wreath of olive leaves; and

on the reverse, the title "North Atlantic Treaty Organization" and the words "In the service of peace and freedom" in English and French.

A 12mm bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.

The ribbon is dark blue, the colour of NATO with a white strip running down the centre of the ribbon with a gold strip running down the centre of the white strip. The white represents peace and the gold strip signifies that the operation was ordered in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Bars

The medal is always issued with a bar, inscribed "ARTICLE 5".

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner:

on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the NATO-FYROM medal and before the NATO ARTICLE FIVE medal for OP ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR medal.

The bar is worn centered on the ribbon.

Postnomials

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.