USA - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

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The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) was created on December 4, 1961, by President John F. Kennedy. The medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participated in U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, or U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations. It is constructed out of a die struck bronze base that has been chemically burnished and lacquered. The round shaped obverse features an eagle clutching a broad sword in its talons, on top of an eight-pointed radiating star and surrounded by “Armed Forces Expeditionary Service”. The reverse features the United States Coat of Arms above two laurel leaf branches and below an arched “United States of America”. The top has an integral bar loop and ring which holds a green, yellow, brown, black, light blue, blue, white and red ribbon. The reverse has a bar that is maker marked “Graco – GI” with a pin, hinge and catch assembly. The medal measures 1 ¼ inches in diameter.