The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal was
instituted in 1896 to reward three consecutive
years of honourable and faithful service. Further
periods of qualifying service were denoted by an
engraved ribbon bar ("2nd Enlistment" etc.) until
1953 when a star emblem was introduced.
Description: a 33mm circular bronze medal, on the
obverse over the shank of an anchor a marine is
depicted at the breach of a gun, with a scroll under
inscribed 'Semper Fidelis'*. The stock and crown of
the anchor with its chain form a border to this, in
which is incorporated the inscription 'United States
Marine Corps'. Reverse has a circular blank central
area for the engraving of the recipient's details,
and around the perimeter of this is the inscription:
'Fidelity Zeal Obedience'
Suspension: the disc is pierced and a ring through
this attaches to the ribbon bar which is in the
shape of a rifle.Naming: Medals issued prior to
1951 are named with the recipients details, except
during WW1 when they were numbered on the rim.
The top pin clasp "US MARINE CORPS" was
discontinued in 1935.
Ribbon: 32 mm dark red with a central dark blue
stripe. |