Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal

On May 8, 1919 the Marine Corps created one of their earlier US military medals in the form of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. These medals of America were originally only issued as Marine Corps ribbons. The military medals version of the Expeditionary Ribbon was not authorized until July of 1921. These Marine Corps medals are one of the oldest decorations still issued to current active duty personnel. These military ribbons and medals are awarded to service members who have engaged in a landing on foreign territory, participated in combat operations against an opposing force, or participated in a designated operation for which no other service medal is authorized. Personnel eligible for these Marine Corps awards after 1961 have the right to choose between the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is worn in a position directly below the Fleet Marine Force Ribbon and immediately above the China Service Medal in the general order of precedence that has been established to govern the proper placement of all Marine Corps military medals and ribbons which are intended for official display on uniforms of Marine Corps personnel. As with other Marine Corps decorations, additional awards are denoted by Service Stars.

The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is generally available as Marine Corps medals, ribbons, and lapel pins. They can be worn as traditional slide-on medals, mini medals, and ribbons. However, in more recent times the sleek new thin military medals, mini-medals and the ultra thin military ribbons have garnered a wide following with military personnel who have realized the importance of always looking their best to enhance their chances of advancement in their respective military services.