MCL Medals and Awards

Marine Corps League
Medals, Ribbons, Certificates, Awards and Pins

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Order of Precedence for Medals and Ribbons
MCL Medals
MCL Commendation Awards (Ribbons)
MCL Certificates
MCL Awards
MCL National Junior Vice-Commandant's Awards
MCL Pins

DESCRIPTION OF MEDALS, RIBBONS, AWARDS, PINS AND WHO MAY AUTHORIZE

MEDALS

1a-Distinguished Citizens Medal-Gold (Old) Medal-Gold Ribbon-Green, gold, and silver with five (5) gold stars Note: This was the original Distinguished Citizen Medal-Gold. There are no more, but those who have received them, may wear them in front of the current issue.
1b-Distinguished Citizens Medal-Gold (Current) (See Note #1) Medal-Gold Ribbon-Blue, gold, white, green and red stripe Awarded By: National Commandant Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant For Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee *Shall be awarded by National Commandant ONLY. This medal is automatically presented to the National Marine of the Year with the FMF device (Eagle, Globe and Anchor) signifying National Marine of the Year (see Note #3). Recommendation(s) for this medal must be in writing and sent to the National Commandant via the National Awards Committee for their recommendation for approval or disapproval. The medal will be awarded only to Marines who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee, have answered to the call of "Above and Beyond" the principles upon which the Marine Corps League was founded. A 3/16" gold star will be worn to indicate additional awards.
2a-Distinguished Citizens Medal-Silver (Old) Medal-Silver Ribbon-Green, gold, and silver with five (5) Silver stars Note: This was the original Distinguished Citizen Medal-Silver. There are no more, but those who have received them, may wear them in front of the current issue.
2b-Distinguished Citizens Medal-Silver (Current) (See Note #1) Medal-Silver Ribbon-Red center flanked by gold and black stripes A-Awarded By: National Commandant Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant For Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Commandant\National Awards Committee B-Awarded By: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant For Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant
3a-Distinguished Citizens Medal-Bronze (Old) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Green, gold, and silver Note: This was the original Distinguished Citizen Medal-Bronze. There are no more, but those who have received them, may wear them in front of the current issue.
3b-Distinguished Citizens Medal-Bronze (Current) (See Note #1) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-White center flanked by maroon stripes A-Awarded By: National Commandant Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant For Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Commandant\National Awards Committee B-Awarded By: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant For Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant C-Awarded By: Detachment Commandant Recommended By: ?? For Approval: ??
4. Distinguished Service Medal (God, Country and Corps) (See Note #1) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Maroon center flanked by dark blue stripes Awarded By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Commandant Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Commandant This medal should be presented to a Marine who has been awarded the Distinguished Citizen Medal-Gold, Silver or Bronze, with the Distinguished Service Certificate indicating the authorization to wear the awarded medal.
5. National Recruiter Medal-Gold Medal-Gold Ribbon-Green, white and gold Awarded By: National Jr. Vice-Commandant Awarded to National Recruiter of the Year.
6. National Recruiter Medal-Silver Medal-Silver Ribbon-Red\White\Green Awarded By: National Jr. Vice-Commandant Awarded to 2nd Place National Recruiter of the Year.
7. National Recruiter Medal-Bronze Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Green\White\Green Awarded By: National Jr. Vice-Commandant Awarded to 3rd Place National Recruiter of the Year.
8. Past NationalCommandants Medal-Gold Medal-Gold Ribbon-White Awarded By: National Commandant
9. National Staff Medal (Elected) Medal-Silver Ribbon-Gold and White stripe To be worn by present and past elected National Officers. (See Note #1)
10. National Staff Medal (Appointed) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Gold and White stripe flanked by red stripes To be worn by present and past appointed National Officers. (See Note #1)
11. Department Commandant Medal (Commandant Samuel Nicholas) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Red and Gold stripe To be worn by present and past elected Department Commandant.. (See Note #1)
12. Department Staff Medal (Elected) Medal-Silver Ribbon-Blue, Red, White, Blue, White, Red, Blue To be worn by present and past elected Department Officers. (See Note #1)
13. Department Staff Medal (Appointed) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Blue, Red, White, Red, White, Red, Blue To be worn by present and past appointed Department Officers. (See Note #1)
14. Department Recruiter Medal-Silver Medal-Silver Ribbon-Green, Gold, Green Awarded to Department Recruiter(s) of the Year
15. Detachment Commandant Medal (Commandant John A. Lejeune) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Maroon and Dark blue stripes To be worn by present and past elected Detachment Commandant. (See Note #1)
16. Detachment Staff Medal (Elected) Medal-Silver Ribbon-Blue, White, Red, White, Blue To be worn by present and past elected Detachment Officers. (See Note #1)
17. Detachment Staff Medal (Appointed) Medal-Bronze Ribbon-White, Blue, White To be worn by present and past appointed Detachment Officers. (See Note #1)
18. Detachment Recruiter Medal-Bronze Medal-Bronze Ribbon-Gold, Green, Gold Awarded By: Detachment Commandant Awarded to Detachment Recruiter(s) of the Year
19. Devil Dog Pack Leader Medal Medal-Bronze Cross with Devil Dog emblem Ribbon-Gold center flanked by red stripes To be worn by present and past elected Pack Leader. (See Note #1)
20. Devil Dog Pound Keeper Medal Medal-Bronze Cross with Devil Dog emblem Ribbon-Red, gold and black stripes To be worn by present and past elected Pound Keeper. (See Note #1)
21. Marine Corps League Medal (Membership) Medal-Marine Corps emblem on gold sunburst Ribbon-Blue, khaki, olive stripes flanked by gold and pink To be worn by any regular Marine who has been a member of the Marine Corps League for five (5) continuous years and has not had membership revoked.
22. 50th National Convention Medal-Silver (Elected/Appointed/Selected) Medal- Ribbon- To be worn
23. 50th National Convention Medal-Bronze (Those in Attendance) Medal- Ribbon- To be worn
24. 75th National Convention Medal-Gold (Elected/Appointed/Selected) Medal- Ribbon- To be worn
25. 75th National Convention Medal-Silver (Those in Attendance) Medal- Ribbon- To be worn
26. State Commendation Medal (Issued by Individual States) Medal-Bronze/Silver Ribbon-Depends on individual State awarding. Awarded By: State's Governor and/or Adjutant General.

COMMENDATION AWARDS (Ribbons)

Marine Corps League Community/VAVS Service Ribbon (See Note #1) Ribbon-Green, Yellow, Green Awarded By: National Commandant Presented To: An Individual Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Commandant\Department or National VAVS Chairman For Approval: National Awards Committee\National Commandant To be awarded to a Marine Corps Leaguer who in the opinion of the National Commandant and the Awards Committee has exemplified him or herself in their communities and/or nationally, including VAVS, but not necessarily both, helping all they have come in contact with. The recommendation MUST be in writing and have the appropriate endorsements when making the submission.
Board of Trustees Commendation Ribbon (Victor T. Fisher Award) Ribbon-Red, White, Blue Awarded By: National\Division Vice\Department Commandant Presented To: National\Department Board of Trustees member Recommended By: National\Division Vice\Department\Detachment Commandant Department Award Approval: Department Commandant Division Award Approval: Division Vice-Commandant National Award Approval: National Commandant This can be awarded by ANY National, Division Vice or Department Commandant to a member of their Board of Trustees who best exemplifies the principles of the United States Marine Corps, Marine Corps League and Marine Fisher.
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon-National (See Note #1) Ribbon-Red, White and Gold striped Streamer: Gold with Red lettering Awarded By: National Commandant Presented To: A Department or Detachment Recommended By: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant Detachment Award Approval: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee Department Award Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee National Award Approval: National Commandant\National Awards Committee
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon-Department (See Note #1) Ribbon-White center flanked by Gold Streamer: White with Red lettering Awarded By: Department Commandant Presented To: A Detachment Recommended By: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant Detachment Award Approval: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee Department Award Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee National Award Approval: National Commandant\National Awards Committee
Meritorious Individual Commendation Ribbon (See Note #1) Ribbon-Gold center flanked by White Awarded By: National\Department\Detachment Commandant Presented To: An Individual designated by a National\Department\Detachment Commandant Detachment Award Approval: Detachment\Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee Department Award Approval: Department\National Division Vice-Commandant\National Awards Committee National Award Approval: National Commandant\National Awards Committee
Kennel Dog of Year Commendation Ribbon (See Note #1) Ribbon- Awarded By: Recommended By:
Chief Devil Dogs Meritorious Commendation Ribbon-Individual (See Note #1) Ribbon-Red, Gold, Red, Green Awarded By: Chief Devil Dog Recommended By: Chief Devil Dog\Kennel Staff Member to Chief Devil Dog
Pack Dog of Year Commendation Ribbon (See Note #1) Ribbon- Awarded By: Recommended By:
Pack Leaders Meritorious Commendation Ribbon-Individual (See Note #1) Ribbon-Green, Yellow, Green, Red Awarded By: Pack Leader Recommended By:
Pound Dog of Year Commendation Ribbon (See Note #1) Ribbon- Awarded By: Recommended By:
Pound Keepers Meritorious Commendation Ribbon-Individual (See Note #1) Ribbon-Blue, White, Red, Gold Awarded By: Pound Keeper Recommended By:
Past Chief Devil Dog Commendation Ribbon Ribbon- Awarded By: Recommended By:

CERTIFICATES

Distinguished Citizen Award Certificate
The only notation on the bottom left corner will be "Authorized to Wear-Gold, Silver or Bronze"

Distinguished Service Award (Certificate only)
This award may be presented by the National, Department, or Detachment Commandant to Leaguers and non-League members who have distinguished themselves.

Certificate of Appreciation
This award may be presented by the National, Department, or Detachment Commandant for appreciation of loyalty and patriotism to country and the Marine Corps League. This may be awarded to Leaguers and non-League members.

Certificate of Appreciation (For displaying the United States flag)
This award maybe presented by the National, Department, or Detachment Commandant.

AWARDS

Marine of the Year
This award shall be presented to a regular member of the Marine Corps League who has rendered service(s) and performed a deed(s) above and beyond the duties and obligations required of a member of the Marine Corps League.

Letters of Nomination for National Marine of the Year shall originate only at the Detachment level. No individual member(s) of the Marine Corps League, nor any subsidiary unit(s) of the Marine Corps League shall submit a Letter of Nomination other than the nominee's Detachment.

The nominee shall be a regular member of the Marine Corps League, in good standing of the Detachment which submits the Letter of Nomination.

Only officers and/or members of the Detachment submitting the Letter of Nomination shall be allowed to submit documentary proof, or affidavits on behalf of the nominee submitted.

Any meritorious deed(s) so identified as being within the scope of these rules shall be of such substance that the weight will or shall have brought acclaim and prestige to the Marine Corps League; or has enhanced and/or furthered the concepts of the duties of being a citizen of the United States of America; or has been a deed(s) of courage or valor without regard for his/her own safety. (See National Administrative Procedures Section 300, Sub-Section One (1))

*Espirite de Corps* Award
National Headquarters of the Marine Corps League will accept nomination of the individual from the Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. This award was conceived to extend recognition by presenting a Marine Corps Officer's sword to the Marine Option Cadet, who best demonstrates the qualities of leadership sought by the Marine Corps, from the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. The presentation will be made by the National Commandant at the Commencement ceremonies.

General John A. LeJeune Writing Award
National Headquarters of the Marine Corps League will accept nomination of the individual from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. This award was conceived to extend recognition by presenting a plaque and cash award to the outstanding writer in the graduating class. The presentation will be made by the National Commandant at the Commencement ceremonies.

Iron Mike Award
National Headquarters of the Marine Corps League will accept nominations for the annual Iron Mike Award up to 1 June annually. This award was conceived to extend recognition to the man who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee, has contributed the most to the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. While not limited to the immediate past 12-month period, nominations should stress accomplishments during that period. Nominations should be forwarded directly to: Awards Committee, Marine Corps League, Post Office Box 3070, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-3070.

Dickey Chapelle Award
National Headquarters of the Marine Corps League will accept nominations for the annual Dickey Chapelle Award prior to 1 June annually. This award was conceived to extend recognition to the woman who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee, has contributed most to the morale, welfare, and well-being of the officers and men of the United States Marine Corps. While not limited to the immediate past 12-month period, nominations should stress accomplishments during that period. Nominations should be forwarded directly to: Awards Committee, Marine Corps League, Post Office Box 3070, Merrifield, Virginia 22116-3070.

Heroism Medal
Shall be awarded by the National Commandant or his/her representative. This medal is presented to a civilian for an act of heroism. Recommendation(s) for this medal must be in writing and sent to the National Commendant via the National Awards Committee for their recommendation for approval or disapproval. The medal will be awarded only to civilians who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee, have answered to the call of "Above and Beyond" the principles upon which the Marine Corps League was founded.

VAVS Award
The National VAVS Representative and Deputy Representatives will select at the national convention the recipients of the Detachment VAVS awards and individual award as described below:
1. Plaques
     None (sp) plaques categorized by membership strength of the detachment as reflected on the current 30 June strength report roster.
       Category 1: 15 to 50 members. First, Second and Third Place plaques.
       Category 2: 51 to 100 members. First, Second and Third Place plaques.
   Category 3: Over 100 members. First, Second and Third Place plaques.
2. Past National Commandant's VAVS Award
     Nominee's for the PNC's VAVS Award must be a member in good standing of the Marine Corps League and must have served on a regular basis in
   the VAVS Program at a VAMC for a minimum period of at least three years. Recommendations for the PNC's VAVS Award must be made by the
detachment and approved at a regular scheduled detachment meeting. Recommendations to be submitted to the National VAVS Representative are to
be received no later than July 1st prior to the National Convention. Recipient of the PNC's VAVS Award is entitled to wear the Marine Corps
League's Community /VAVS Service Ribbon.
3. Detachment VAVS Award
    Detachment VAVS Award recommendations should also be submitted to the National VAVS Representative to be received no later than July 1st prior
to the National Convention, outlining the activities of the detachment VAVS program to include total hours volunteered and monetary donations to the
VAVS program.

NATIONAL JUNIOR VICE-COMMENDANT'S AWARDS

100% Membership Citations
(a) 100% Membership Streamers will be given to those Detachments, Departments, and Divisions, who have achieved 100% membership during the period of 30 June to 30 June and will be Red in color with Gold lettering.

Increased Membership Citations and Plaques
(a) Increased Membership Citations will be awarded to all Detachments, Departments, Divisions that exceed their membership strength from 30 June through 30 June. The Citations will be presented during the National Convention each and every year.
(b) Increased Membership Plaques will be awarded to all Detachments, Departments, Divisions that exceed 100% membership by percentage in the following manner;
(1) Detachment Membership from 15 to 50 members, four (4) plaques; 1st through 4th place.
(2) Detachment Membership from 51 to 100 members, four (4) plaques; 1st through 4th place.
(3) Detachment Membership from 101 to 200 members, four (4) plaques; 1st through 4th place.
(4) Detachment Membership from 200 plus members, four (4) plaques; 1st through 4th place.
(5) Department Membership, four (4) plaques; 1st through 4th place.
(6) Division Membership, three (3) plaques; 1st through 3rd place.

Individual Membership Recruiting Awards
Each and every year, a special form (See Enclosure Four (4)) must be filled out by the individual member and signed by the Detachment Commandant and Detachment Adjuntant/Paymaster, then mailed to the National Junior Vice-Commandant.
Recruiting Awards will be issued as follows:
(a) A Citation will be given to those members who have recruited 5-24 members during the year.
(b) A National Recruiters Medal-Bronze and a Distinguished Service Award Citation (signifying the accomplishment) will be presented to those members who recruited 25-49 members during the year.
(c) A National Recruiters Medal-Silver and a Distinguished Service Award Citation (signifying the accomplishment) and a plague will be presented to those members who recruited 50 plus members during the year.
(d) The top Recruiter of the Year, the one individual member that has recruited the most members through his/her individual efforts will be presented the National Recruiters Medal-Gold (appropriately engraved), and a plague in the shape of the United States with his/her name engraved thereon and the Distinguished Service Award Citation (signifying the accomplishment).

National Convention Streamers
These will be awarded to those Detachments, Departments and Divisions who display the League standards at the National Convention and will be in the color of the state in which the National Convention is being held with appropriate lettering.

PINS

Past National Commandant Pin
Oval-shaped pin with Marine emblem and a diamond. Presented to the outgoing National Commandant at the completion of his tour as National Commandant at the National Convention. It will be worn centered on the left lapel, one inch below the lapel notch.

National Marine of the Year Pin
Gold pin in the shape of the United States. Awarded at the National Convention to the Marine selected by the Marine of the Year Society as the National Marine of the Year. It will be worn centered on the left lapel one inch below the lapel notch, left of the Past National Commandant pin if so awarded.

Kennel Dog of the Year Pin
Gold pin with Devil Dog emblem in the center. Presented at each National Convention to the Marine selected as the Kennel Dog of the Year. It will be worn centered on the left lapel one inch below the lapel notch, left of the National Commendant pin and Marine of the Year pin if so awarded.

Note #1: For each additional medal award, a 3/16" bronze star will be worn. A 3/16" silver star will be worn in lieu of five (5) bronze stars; a 3/16" gold star will be worn in lieu of five (5) silver stars unless otherwise noted. The exception is Distinguished Citizens Medal-Gold, where one (1) 5/16" gold star will be worn in lieu of five (5) 3/16" gold stars.

Note#2: When Departments celebrate their 50th or more anniversaries, the medals that are struck for those Departments, and issued or sold at their respective Department Conventions to only those who attended.

Note #3: National, Department and Detachment "Marines of the Year" are eligible to wear the FMF device (Eagle, Globe and Anchor)

signifying National, Department and/or Detachment Marine of the Year. This device will be centered on the respective ribbon for each award. National Marine of the Year will wear it centered on the Gold ribbon, Department Marine of the Year will wear it centered on the Silver ribbon, and Detachment Marine of the Year will wear it centered on the Bronze ribbon. Prior and subsequent awards (Gold, Silver or Bronze, not necessarily Marine of the Year) will be worn with the proper stars affixed.