On 28 June 1941, the Good Conduct Medal was sanctioned for soldiers finishing three years active service after 28 June 1941 by Executive Order 8809. Executive Order 9323, dated 31 March 1943, modified the standards for the authorization of the award to three years of service after 7 December 1941, or for one year of service if at war. It was further revised by Executive Order 10444, dated 10 April 1953, to sanction award for three years of service after 27 August 1940 or one year service after 7 December 1941 during a period of time in which the United States is at war and award for the first award for service after 27 June 1950 if service was ended during a period of fewer than three years, but more than one year.
Mr. Joseph Kiselewski was the designer of the Good Conduct Medal. The Secretary of War approved the medal design on 30 October 1942. The symbolism of the award includes the eagle with its wings outspread signifying vigilance and superiority. The horizontal sword signifies loyalty, and the book stands for knowledge gained and ability achieved. The lone star on the reverse side represents merit, and the laurel wreath and oak leaves reward and strength.
