Global War on Terrorism Medals authorized for Houthi operations

Service members participating in operations against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are now authorized to receive the Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

In a June 18 memo, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Ronald T. Keohane stated personnel involved in three Red Sea missions combating Houthi rebels — Operations Prosperity Guardian, Poseidon Archer and Pandora Throttle — were qualified for the award.

The Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals were signed into existence in 2003 through an executive order by President George W. Bush. The Expeditionary Medal is for service members mobilized to a specific unit, while the Service Medal is for personnel who directly or indirectly supported operations.