Marine Corps Decorations, Medals, Unit Awards and Ribbon Awards. Do You know the Difference?
This video is about Marine Decorations, Service Medals, Unit Awards and Ribbon Only Awards.All of the information in this video came from “Marine Awards and Insignia” available at https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Medals-Insignia-Illustrated-History/dp/1884452299/ref=sr_1. The show explains the difference between personal decorations for valor and meritorious service and service medals as well as Unit awards and Ribbon only awards. The Differences between USMC Decorations and Service Medals are shown as well as examples of how the medals and ribbons are worn.
Marine Corps Badges and Insignia
his video is about Marine Corps wings, Parachute badges, EOD, Diver and Special Operations Insignia as well as special Identification Badges. All of the information in this video came from “Marine Awards and Insignia” available at https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Medals-Insignia-Illustrated-History/dp/1884452299/ref=sr_1. The author displays examples and discusses Marine breast insignia and special identification badges for U.S. Marine Corps personnel. Insignia reviewed are: Marine Wing Insignia, Naval Aviator Insignia, Marine Corps Flight Surgeon WW II, Marine Corps Flight Nurse WW II, Marine Corps Air Crew WW II, Naval Aviation Observer (Tactical) InsigniaBalloon Pilot Insignia, Naval Aviator Insignia, Naval Flight Officer Insignia, Naval Astronaut (NFO) Insignia -Naval Astronaut Insignia, Marine Aerial Navigator Insignia, Naval Aviation Observer Insignia’ Naval Aircrew Insignia, Combat Aircrew Insignia, Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Insignia, Diver Insignia , SCUBA Diver Insignia, Combatant Diver Insignia, Marine Special Operator Insignia, Presidential Service Badge (PSB), Vice Presidential Service Badge (VPSB, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge (OSD ID), Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge (JCS ID), United States Marine Corps Military Police Badge, Marine Corps Military Police Corrections Badge,United States Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division (USMC C.I.D.) Badge.
Types of U.S. Marine Awards and Decorations
The United States Marine Corps, being part of the U.S. Naval Service, follows the same awards program as the United States Navy. The Department of the Navy governs the awards program but administered by the Corps. Most of the awards and decorations are the same for both the Navy and Marine Corps, and some are common to all services. Marine Corps awards fall into three classifications: personal and unit decorations, campaign and service medals, and marksmanship badges and trophies. Personal awards are conferred upon individuals for acts of heroism, acts of gallantry, or for meritorious service. Unit awards are awarded to individuals who are members of units that are cited for outstanding performance. Campaign or service medals are issued to individuals who participate in particular campaigns or periods of service for which a medal is authorized. Marksmanship badges and trophies are awarded to individuals who demonstrate proficiency or skill with a specific weapon during a specified practice exercise, competition, or match. Marksmanship badges are worn to indicate an individual’s ability with a particular weapon and are awarded in three levels: Expert, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. Trophies are awarded at various levels to include: the United States and international distinguished shooter competitions, Marine Corps rifle and pistol championships, national trophies for rifle and pistol, inter-service rifle and pistol matches, regional practices, combat exercises, division, and inter-division contests. Badges are awarded to indicate proficiency in specific areas, such as marksmanship. The Marine Corps also participates with the other services in a system by which entire units are recognized for outstanding performance. Members of cited units are entitled to wear the appropriate award (e.g., Navy Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendation, etc.). Marines may wear awards described in the Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST 1650.1). The definition of terms according to Marine Corps Uniform Regulations are: Award – An all-inclusive term covering any decoration, medal, badge, ribbon bar, or attachment bestowed on an individual. Decoration – An award conferred on an individual for a specific act of gallantry or meritorious service. Unit Award – An award made to an operating unit for outstanding performance and worn only by members of that unit who participated in the cited action. Service Award – An award made to those who have participated in designated wars, campaigns, expeditions, etc., or who have fulfilled specified service requirements. Medal – An award issued to an individual for performance of certain duties, acts or services, consisting of a medallion hanging from a suspension ribbon of distinctive colors. Miniature Medal – A replica of a standard size medal, made to one-half original scale. Foreign medal miniatures will not exceed the size of American miniatures. The Medal of Honor will not be worn in miniature. Badge – An award to an individual for some special proficiency or skill, which consists of a medallion suspended from a bar or bars. Ribbon Bar – A portion of the suspension ribbon of a medal, worn in lieu of the medal. Ribbon bars are also authorized for certain awards that have no medals. Rosette – Lapel device made by gathering the suspension ribbon of the medal into a circular shape. Lapel Pin – A miniature enameled replica of the ribbon bar. Attachment – Any appurtenance such as a star, clasp, or other device worn on a suspension ribbon of a medal or on the ribbon bar (also called device). Learn more about U.S. Marines medals and books or contact us if you have any questions about one of our publications?
