Marine Awards and Insignia

About the Book

Marine Awards and Insignia

An Illustrated History

By Col. Frank Foster, James G Thompson

The medals, ribbons, and insignia of the United States Marine Corps represent discipline, sacrifice, and honor earned in peace and in war.

Marine Awards and Insignia is the definitive illustrated reference documenting every decoration, ribbon, badge, and insignia authorized for Marines. Meticulously researched and presented in full color, it ensures that Marine Corps service is understood correctly, worn properly, and preserved with pride.

Whether you are an active-duty Marine, a veteran, a family member, or a historian, this volume stands as the authoritative guide to Marine Corps honors.

Marine Awards and Insignia is the most complete and visually accurate reference ever published on the medals, ribbons, badges, and insignia of the United States Marine Corps. Fully illustrated in color, this authoritative volume documents every Marine Corps decoration,
service medal, ribbon, device, and insignia from World War II to the present.

This comprehensive reference includes:

  • Full-color plates of all Marine Corps medals and ribbons
  • Complete descriptions, history, and award criteria for every Marine decoration and service medal
  • Foreign awards and United Nations medals authorized for Marines
  • The complete Marine Corps ribbon order of precedence, with all attachments and devices
  • Officer and enlisted rank insignia from 1944 to the present
  • World War II Marine Corps shoulder sleeve insignia
  • Service identification badges, aiguillettes, shoulder cords, and related insignia
  • Detailed coverage of marksmanship and trophy badges
  • Clear guidance on the proper wear of medals, ribbons, badges, and insignia for active-
    duty Marines and veterans
  • Instructions on displaying Marine Corps awards and insignia
  • Step-by-step information on how to claim Marine Corps medals free
 

Designed for Marines, veterans, families, historians, collectors, museums, and libraries, this book preserves Marine Corps service accurately, respectfully, and permanently.

Book Preview

Enjoy a sampling of the book!

Copyright © 2025 Medals of America Press