Merchant Marine Mediterranean - Middle East War Zone 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. Initially, 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. Public Law 100-324 defined the zone as the "the Mediterranean Middle East zone, including the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Sea. and Indian Ocean west of eighty degrees east longitude".
2. The Medal
   Obverse
   The obverse displays the shield and anchor, symbolizing a strong maritime service. The palms below these are suggestive of the Mediterranean-Middle East area while denoting victory and achievement. In an arc above it are the words "MEDITERRANEAN-MIDDLE EAST WAR ZONE "
   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 and drape are one and three-eighths inches wide with stripes as follows 1/16" Corsaire Blue, 3/32" White, 3/32" Scarlet, 7/32" Golden Yellow, 1/8" Irish Green, 1/8" White, 1/8" Irish Green, 7/32" Golden Yellow, 3/32" Scarlet, 3/32" White, 1/16" Corsaire Blue.

3. Information from
   Medal, Mediterranean - Middle East War Zone, Merchant Marine MIL-DTL-3943/221C 11 April 2022
   Ribbon, Mediterranean - Middle East War Zone, Merchant Marine MIL-DTL-11589/352F 07 January 2020