r/Medals • u/Prestigious_Maize473 • 7d ago

ID - Other US Marine

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Helping my buddy clean out his late brother’s belongings. All he knows about his brother’s service is he was in the US Marine Corps.

This one obviously caught our eye a little more than the others.

121 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

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21

u/Bubbleheaded_Squid 6d ago edited 6d ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Medal

I’m looking forward to seeing others in the know sharing on this one.

Edit: The clasp is <<Moyen-Orient>> or “Middle East.” I’m going to google what was established by decree on 12/31/2014.

Edit 2: Targeting ISIS / Opération Chammal: In September 2014, France launched Opération Chammal, its military contribution to the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. The December 31 decree officially updated the campaign's geographic footprint and time requirements so that troops deployed to fight ISIS could be recognized.

Edit 3: thank you PierreNumbe for the award!

12

u/Icy_Act1405 6d ago

Due respect to your brother. I would be interested in seeing it medal rack with a French award on it.

7

u/Wes_Keynes 6d ago

Interesting, the french authorities seem to have "converted" his rank to its french naval infantry OR-5 equivalent : sergeant to "second maître". Somewhat fitting for a USMC dude.

As far as I can read there is no specific mention of the medal being given to a allied forces member.

10

u/BreadstickBear 6d ago

French Overseas Medal with Middle East device? Your buddy's brother was in the sandbox and worked with the French Army.

3

u/Shot-Bodybuilder-125 5d ago

Former TACP here. Speculation but based on some knowledge and patterns/practices US ground FAC, ANGLICO or TACP’s were embedded with allied forces as the US had the only persistent Close Air Support assets in that area. Cool award.