(5) Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel, who served on the
following vessels operating in actual or potential belligerent contact with the
Axis forces in the Atlantic Ocean between the dates set below the ship in the table below
are authorized to wear upon the American Defense Service Medal service ribbon, a
bronze letter "A" in lieu of the bronze star. Such letter shall be
one-fourth inch in height and shall be worn centered on the ribbon. When the "A"
is worn, no star shall be worn upon the ribbon (Executive Order No. 8808 of
28 June 1941; Navy Department General Order No. 172 of 20 April 1942).
[Vessels and dates to be added]
Source: 1948, 1953 U.S. Navy Awards Manual
23 May 2000