Korean Defense Service Medal

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Federal regulations require that you apply to the DoD for permission to wear the medal. This applies to both active duty and former service personnel. The wearing of any US military medal or decoration by an individual which has not been authorized by the DoD is a criminal offense whether or not the military medal is worn on the service uniform or civilian clothing.

[Inchessi]

About two years ago I discovered that I could request a copy of my DD-214 online. Verification was a single sentence stating that it was me, and my signature. I discovered that one medal and one ribbon where/was automatically written. They were not mistakes, I was with the unit, and we did the deed.

[Kilted-Marine]

Federal regulations require that you apply to the DoD for permission to wear the medal. This applies to both active duty and former service personnel. The wearing of any US military medal or decoration by an individual which has not been authorized by the DoD is a criminal offense whether or not the military medal is worn on the service uniform or civilian clothing.

That is incorrect...DOD's permission is not required. DOD does not authorize medals nor can they give or deny permission for their wear - that is a function of legislative and executive branches...
If congress has authorized a medal and it has been signed off by the president and you MEET the requirements - Permission is "understood"
and
You would only be charge if you knowingly wore a medal you knew you were not entitled too

remember as you read below AUTHORITY is from congress.. and if congress says anybody that served from x to x is awarded the medal -they are awarded the medal and entitled to wear it.... DOD can not supersede Congress or the President

Title 18 United States Code:

Sec. 704. Military Medals or Decorations:
(a) In General. - Whoever knowingly wears, manufactures, or sells any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.