The Korea Defense Service Medal (KDSM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that was first created in 2002 when it was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill to create the proposal was introduced and championed by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA) and Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). Several designs for the medal were proposed. The selected design was done by John Sproston. In 2004, the Institute of Heraldry approved the final design and the medal became authorized for distribution.