Medals or just Ribbons

[SarDragon]

As far as obtaining them goes, I think you need to buy them, unless your unit pays for them to present. For a Mitchell from that far back, you're on your own.

As for introduction date, the original mini-medals were introduced in July 1969 (DSA, ESA, MSA, Red Service, IACE, SAR, SMOV, BMOV, UCA, and SM Leadership Awards).

Others followed, presumably when the award itself was introduced. (Too many to list; info as of 1985)