1. Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
(Awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in the Air Force Reserve)
Overview
The Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal was originally established as a ribbon on April 1, 1964, by the Secretary of the Air Force. On May 1, 1973, the medal itself was introduced.
This award is presented to enlisted members of the U.S. Air Reserve Forces (Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) who demonstrate exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity over four years of service.
Specifications
Institution: Established April 1, 1964 (medal issued from May 1, 1973 onward).
Diameter: 36.07 mm.
Material: Bronze.
Condition: Good, with visible details (please refer to pictures for condition).
Design Features
Obverse (Front):
American eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a circle containing a five-pointed star, inspired by early U.S. aircraft insignia.
Above the eagle, a banner inscribed "Meritorious Service."
Around the edge: "Air Reserve Forces", with delta wing shapes on either side.
Thirteen rays behind the design, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies.
Reverse (Back):
Cloud formation, representing air superiority and service to the nation.
At the top: Air Force wings and thunderbolts, derived from the Air Force Coat of Arms.
Below the wings, space for the inscription "To" (for recipient's name and details).
Around the outer edge: "Exemplary Behavior - Efficiency - Fidelity."
Historical Context
Awarded to enlisted members of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.
Requires four consecutive years of honorable service (three years for prior active duty personnel).
Equivalent to the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, but exclusively for Reserve and Guard personnel.
2. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal ("Semper Fidelis" Medal)
(Awarded for three years of honorable and faithful enlisted service in the U.S. Marine Corps)
Overview
The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal is one of the oldest continuously issued U.S. military awards, established on July 20, 1896, by President Grover Cleveland.
It is awarded to enlisted Marines who demonstrate exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity for three consecutive years of active service (four years during wartime).
Specifications
Institution: Established July 20, 1896. This medal up for sale was minted in the 1960s
Diameter: 34.13 mm.
Material: Bronze.
Condition: Good, well-preserved details (please refer to pictures for condition).
Design Features
Obverse (Front):
Eagle perched on an anchor, representing the Marine Corps' naval heritage and readiness for amphibious warfare.
Scroll beneath the eagle inscribed with "Semper Fidelis", the Marine Corps motto meaning "Always Faithful."
Laurel wreath around the design, symbolizing honor and achievement.
Reverse (Back):
Engraved with the recipient's name and service number (if officially awarded).
Inscriptions related to Marine Corps service and tradition.
Historical Context
Oldest Good Conduct Medal in the U.S. Armed Forces, predating the Army (1899) and Navy (1869) versions.
Awarded to enlisted Marines for three years of "honorable and faithful service."
Distinguished by its strict requirements, as any misconduct automatically disqualifies a Marine from receiving it.
Has been issued continuously since 1896, making it one of the most historically significant U.S. military medals.
This lot of two U.S. military medals showcases honor, dedication, and exceptional service.
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal – Recognizes exemplary service in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal ("Semper Fidelis" Medal) – Awarded for three years of impeccable conduct and faithful service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Each medal carries significant historical and military value, making this set a valuable addition to any collection.
For authentication and valuation, please refer to the provided pictures to assess condition, ribbon quality, and overall presentation.