United States Marine Corps China Service Medal, an American military campaign and service medal awarded to eligible members of the United States Marine Corps for qualifying duty connected with operations in China. Established by the United States Navy Department in 1942, the medal initially recognised service between 7 July 1937 and 7 September 1939, during a period of conflict and instability in China preceding the United States’ entry into the Second World War. Eligibility was subsequently extended to include qualifying service in China between 2 September 1945 and 1 April 1957, encompassing the post-war period.
The bronze medal features a Chinese junk sailing on the obverse, surrounded by the inscription “CHINA SERVICE”. The reverse depicts an eagle positioned above an anchor and laurel branches, with the inscription “UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS / FOR SERVICE”. The ribbon is yellow with narrow red stripes near each edge. The medal was awarded to qualifying Navy, Marine Corps and, during the extended period, Coast Guard personnel, including those serving ashore in China or attached to designated vessels supporting eligible operations. A bronze star on the ribbon denotes qualifying service during both eligibility periods. This medal is of interest to collectors of United States Marine Corps decorations, American campaign medals, naval history and Second World War militaria.
Condition
As new
