Activated on Jan 15, 1951 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron 161 (HMR-161)
Redesignated on Dec 31, 1956 as Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light) 161 (HMR(L)-161)
Description
Although the Korean War Armistice ended combat operations in Korea on 27 July 1953, the Korean Service Medal was issued until June 1954 due to the tense nature of the occupation and garrison duty immediately after the armistice, as well as the high possibility of a renewed attack by North Korea. After 1954, the Korean Service Medal was no longer issued although the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was authorized for Korean service in the 1960s. As of 2004, a new medal known as the Korea Defense Service Medal was authorized for all post-Korean War service in the Republic of Korea.
