branch with four leaves. Around the top is the lettering "AMERICAN DEFENSE". The reverse is the wording "FOR SERVICE DURING THE LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1939 OR DURING THE UNLIMITED EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED BY THE PRESIDENT ON MAY 27, 1941" above a seven-leafed spray of laurel. The suspension and service ribbon of the medal is wide and consists of the following stripes: Golden Yellow 67104; triparted Old Glory Blue 67178; White 67101; and Scarlet 67111; center Golden Yellow; triparted Scarlet; White; and Old Glory Blue 67178; and Golden yellow. The golden yellow color was symbolic of the golden opportunity of the youth of the United States to serve the National colors, represented by the blue, white and red pin stripes on each side. Devices The American Defense Service Medal was authorized with the following devices: Foreign Service Clasp: Issued by the United States Army for military service outside the continental limits of the United States, including service in Alaska. The foreign service clasp is a bronze bar in width and in length with the words FOREIGN SERVICE, with a star at each end of the inscription. Base Clasp: Issued by the U.S. Navy and United States Marine Corps for service outside the continental limits of the United States (service in either Alaska or Hawaii qualified). Fleet Clasp: Issued by the Navy, Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard for service on the high seas while regularly attached to any vessels of the Atlantic, Pacific, or Asiatic fleets as well as vessels of the Naval Transport Service and vessels operating directly under the Chief of Naval Operations. The Fleet clasp is a bronze bar in width and in length with the words FLEET inscribed. Sea Clasp: Issued by the Coast Guard for all other vessels and aircraft, not qualifying for the Fleet Clasp, which regularly conducted patrols at sea. "A" Device: Awarded to any member of the Navy who served duty in actual or potential belligerent contact with Axis Powers in the Atlantic Ocean between June 22 and December 7, 1941. The "A" Device was also worn on the medal's uniform ribbon. Service star: Worn in lieu of clasps when wearing the American Defense Service Medal as a ribbon on a military uniform. See also Code of Federal Regulations National Defense Service Medal Bibliography References External links FOR SERVICE IN THE DEFENSE OF AMERICA:THE AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE