Any individual who after 1 January 1946, meets the following criteria, is qualified to receive the Antarctica Service Medal:
a. Any service member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who takes part in or has taken part in scientific, direct support, or exploratory operations in Antarctica under backing and approval of the United States Government.
b. Any service member of the Armed Forces of the United States that takes part in flights as a member of the crew of an aircraft flying to or from the Antarctic Continent in support of operations.
c. Any service member of the Armed Forces of the United States or civilian citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States who serves in an United States ship in service south of latitude 60 degrees South in support of United States Programs in Antarctica.
