History

The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal was initially established as the "Marine Corps Expeditionary Ribbon" by Marine Corps General Order on May 8, 1919. On June 28, 1921, the Medal pendant was introduced, and on March 1, 1929, the award was officially renamed the "Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal". The Bronze Medal was awarded to Marine Corps personnel in recognition of landings on foreign territory and engagement in operations against an armed opposing force. To be eligible for the award of the Medal, the action recognized must not qualify for another award.

Personnel who served in the defence of Wake Island were eligible to receive a ribbon clasp inscribed with "WAKE ISLAND" on the obverse. Since 1921, a bronze service star emblem may be worn on the ribbon to denote additional awards.

The Medal was stamped on the rim with a serial number. Different numbering styles were used.