Declared Periods of War
| World War I | April 6, 1917 through November 11, 1918, extended to April 1, 1920, for those who served in Russia. Service after November 11, 1918 and before July 2, 1921 is considered World War I service if the veteran served in the active military, naval, or air service after April 5, 1917 and before November 12, 1918 |
| World War II | December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946, extended to July 25, 1947, when continuous with active duty on or before December 31, 1946 |
| Korean War | July 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955 |
| Vietnam War | August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975, and *November 1, 1975 – May 7, 1975 (for those who were in Vietnam) |
| Persian Gulf War | August 2, 1990 to date yet to be determined. |
*For services beginning on or after September 7, 1980, the veteran must serve 24 months in order to be eligible.