Originally created as a ribbon bar in 1919, the medal was authorized on March 1, 1929. It is awarded to members of the Marine Corps who have engaged in operations against armed opposition on foreign territory, or who have served in circumstances which merit recognition but for which no campaign medal is awarded. Designed by Walker Hancock, the obverse has a Marine with full pack charging with fixed bayonet, wave scroll at the base, and the word "Expeditions", around the edge. Additional expeditions are indicated by wearing a bronze star on the ribbon of this medal.