Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal

BACK DEVICE(s) none

Description:

1. Authorized by Public Law 100-324 in 1988.
2. The Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal is awarded to U.S. merchant seamen who serve on U.S.-flag ships in direct support of operations involving American and allied military forces. The medal is not specific to a certain military operation or conflict, rather the award citation would give such details.
3. Like the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, it is a catch-all decoration for various, defined operations.
4. A policy announcement published in 2015 stated the medal was established in 1990, its first actual award came on 22 May 1991. 

Background:

1. The Medal
   Obverse
   The obverse of the medal shows an anchor symbolizing naval prowess.  The anchor is flanked by two sea horses to symbolize maritime service in the support of the armed forces.
   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 white, interlaced white and blue turquoise, interlaced prophet green and blue turquoise, interlaced prophet green and river blue, interlaced prophet green and blue turquoise, interlaced white and blue turquoise, white, cardinal red, cardinal blue, cardinal red, white, interlaced white and blue turquoise, interlaced prophet green and blue turquoise, interlaced prophet green and river blue, interlaced prophet green and blue turquoise, interlaced white and blue turquoise, white.

2. Information from
   Medal, Expeditionary, U.S. Merchant Marine MIL-DTL-3943/216C 11 April 2022
   Ribbon, Expeditionary, U.S. Merchant Marine MIL-DTL-11589/360G 07 January 2020