The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is a decoration of the United States Marine Corps which was first created on May 8, 1919. Originally known as the Marine Corps Expeditionary Ribbon, a full sized medal was authorized in July 1921 by Presidential Order of Warren G. Harding. The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is therefore one of the oldest decorations of the United States military which is still issued to active duty personnel.
To be awarded the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, personnel must have engaged in a landing on foreign territory, participated in combat operations against an opposing force, or must have participated in an a designated operation for which no other service medal is authorized. After 1961, some commands permitted eligible personnel to choose between the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, or the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, depending on the nature of the operation in question.
Subsequent awards of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal were originally denoted by award numerals. After 1921, multiple awards were denoted by service stars. The Wake Island Device is authorized for any personnel who were awarded the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal as part of the defense of Wake Island during the opening days of the Second World War.
The MarineCorpsExpeditionaryMedal is awarded to MarineCorps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded.
The figure is that of an enlisted Marine "in action, responding to the call of duty." The scroll waves ending at firmament allude to Marine service and signify an opposed landing.
The MarineCorpsExpeditionaryMedal was originally produced at the Philadelphia Mint and was serially numbered on the rim at the six o'clock position with the
Marines who served in or were attached to another branch of the U.S. military services and received a decoration, unit award, or service award of comparable criteria to one issued by the naval service may wear the award on MarineCorps uniforms, unless otherwise prohibited by these regulations.
Marines who were assigned to the cited unit while in a civilian status must be specifically included by name in the recommendation or citation to be eligible to wear the award on the uniform.
A portion of the suspension ribbon of a medal, worn in lieu of the medal.
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