Merchant Marine Defense Medal

BACK DEVICE(s)   none

Description:

1. Authorized by Public Law 100-324 in 1988.

2. Initially the award was only a ribbon bar pin that measured one and three-eighths inches long by one-half inch wide. The ribbon bar pin was authorized with the passage of Public Law 100-324 in 1988.

3. The medal suspension portion came about in 1992 and was attached to a medal drape of the same design pattern as the original ribbon bar pin..

4. Initailly, by the public law mandate the ribbon bar pin was Issued to each master, officer or member of the crew of any United States ship who served at any time during the period beginning September 8, 1939, and ending December 8, 1941.

5. This bar will not be issued subsequent to two years after the termination of the present war.

Background:

1. The Medal
   Obverse
   The obverse displays the shield and anchor, from the United States Maritime Service Seal, which are superimposed on a ship’s wheel, denoting control and maritime service. In an arc above it are the words "MERCHANT MARINE DEFENSE". Below are laurel branches symbolizing achievement and excellence.
   Reverse
   The reverse bears the words "UNITED STATES" in an arc around the top and the words "MERCHANT MARINE" in a counter arc across the bottom. In the center is the Mariner's Shield and anchor, from the United States Maritime Service Seal.
   Ribbon
   The ribbon is one and three-eighths inches long composed with colors in the order of green, white, red, black, red, white, and green

2. Information from
   Medal, Defense, U.S. Merchant Marine MIL-DTL-3943/217C 11 April 2022
   Ribbon, Defense, U.S. Merchant MIL-DTL-11589/361F 07 January 2020